Hoggard column: When God calls, we must, like Isaiah, listen and obey

The prophet Isaiah’s calling story — a stark contrast to the bleak future he prophesied — is revealed in the sixth chapter of his writings.

In the first five chapters, he paints a grim picture of Israel’s future, foretelling widespread devastation in the land of Canaan. As a prophet in Jerusalem, he even predicts the destruction of his own home. This must have raised questions among his neighbors, prompting him to explain his calling.

Calling is compelling. God loves us enough to show Himself to us, but what about those who sense God giving them divine direction for their life? What an honor, but also an abundantly daunting task.

The moment you meet God, you recognize how grand He is. His power, majesty, holiness and righteousness can bring us to our knees. How great is our God! Then, to have Him request our help when we know He doesn’t need us. God wants us to be a part of His will.

When someone has a real encounter with God, they respond with humility. Fear is an appropriate response to the revelation of the Almighty God. Isaiah’s story is no different. He moves as far away from this incredible presence because he can sense the iniquities that separate him from his holy Maker.

God orders an angel to help. The angel grabs a coal with tongs and cleanses Isaiah’s sinful lips so that he may speak. God made communication possible. Isaiah is insufficient in every way, yet God gives him a message that will shock the world.

No one in the Bible ever heard more about the coming Messiah. Isaiah heard a true revelation from God and was divinely called to deliver it to as many people as would hear it. Isaiah saw the Lord and it changed his life. He answered yes to God’s request that Isaiah prophesize.

God then revealed that he would preach, but no one would listen. The calling was genuine, but it wasn’t a call to success. He gave Isaiah the most incredible visions of any man to live, and the world he spoke of them rejected and hated him.

Isaiah saw the descriptions of the child that would come to change the world, the branch from David that the Spirit would rest upon, the suffering servant that would be rejected but ultimately redeem us all. His words fell on deaf ears.

So, what is our response to these things? Isaiah, in the midst of his most challenging times, saw the Lord. In these trials, God not only revealed Himself, but also commissioned Isaiah to proclaim His grand plans for the world.

Yet, God also informed Isaiah that his words would fall on deaf ears. In the face of this, will you remain steadfast in your obedience to the Word of God, even when you see no immediate results or success in this life? When God speaks, our duty is to bow, listen and obey without hesitation.

Are you attuned to the voice of the Lord? Trust and obey the mighty God who reigns on the throne.