Bible Study

Troubles can hit our lives like an earthquake, shaking us to our core. We may feel
rumblings of approaching trouble or the trouble may strike without warning. Either way, we
feel thrown about, unable to get steady footing as we watch parts of our world collapse.
Where do we go when things happen that shake our lives? Do we try to hide through
withdrawal or denial? Do we turn to anger, resentment, or depression? Do we find solace in
blaming others, activities, material things, drugs, or alcohol? Do we give up on people, the
church, or even God? This week we are going to look at a young man named Isaiah whose
life as he knew it was forever changed and what happened when he looked upon God.

Who was King Uzziah?
II Chronicles 26:1-15
After becoming king of Judah in 767 B.C. at the age of 16, Uzziah reigned in Jerusalem for 52
years. He "did right in the sight of the LORD," continually seeking the Lord. With God's help, he
was successful in his battles against Judah's enemies until he was very strong and his fame
spread even into other countries. Judah prospered under the long years of his reign.

II Chronicles 26:16-23
Uzziah was not without failure. He became proud, and in his pride he acted wrongly. He
decided to burn incense on the altar in the temple contrary to God's command that only the
priests do this. The priests tried to stop him, but he only became enraged. God struck him with
leprosy on his forehead as he started to burn the incense. Because of the leprosy, he had to
live separated from other people as his son Jotham took over his responsibilities as coregent.

II Chronicles 26:22-23; Isaiah 1:4; Zechariah 14:5
What was the young man Isaiah feeling when Uzziah died? Although we can't be sure, we
can imagine his feelings. We know he wrote a record of King Uzziah's life. Had he spent
much time in the presence of the king recording his life so that he was feeling loss of
someone who was a part of his life as well as his king? Did he wonder what would happen
to the kingdom after the death of the only king he had ever known? Judah has enjoyed peace
and prosperity, but already there rumblings like those of the earthquake mentioned by
Zechariah indicating that this would change. Foreign nations were gaining power and would
soon threaten the security of Israel. Even more devastating was the sin of the people and
their abandonment of God and His way. Did Isaiah feel his life shaking?

Isaiah 6:1-2
In the year that King Uzziah died, Isaiah saw the Lord. In some unspecified way, as Isaiah
stood in the temple he saw God. That is where we go when troubles strike; we look to the
Lord. As he looked, Isaiah did not see a weak, helpless God. Isaiah saw God lofty and
exalted, sitting on his throne as the sovereign ruler of the world. Isaiah saw the majesty and
glory of God as the train of his robe filled the temple and seraphim surrounded him. Isaiah
was reminded of who God was in all his splendor.

Isaiah 6:3-4; 40:25
What was the significance of the words "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts"? We think of
the word "holy" as being morally pure, but it means more that this. The fundamental meaning
of the Hebrew word "qadosh" which is translated "holy" means what is intrinsically sacred
and distinct as opposed to that which is common. God is the ultimate "holy" because he is
sacred and distinct from anything or anyone else; there is none like Him. God is holy. There is
none like Him; He is unequaled, unsurpassed, unmatched, unparalleled, and altogether
supreme. When Isaiah saw this and realized that his fate and the fate of those around Him
was not dependent on circumstances but on God, the Lord of host," it had a profound
influence on his life.

Isaiah 6:6-7; I John 1:9
The first impact this view of God had on Isaiah was a recognition of his sinfulness. "Holy"
also means selected, pure, sacred, and virtuous because of being separated from sin. God is
separate from sin, and He calls his believers to constantly sanctify themselves by forsaking
sin and living in a manner consistent with God's holiness. To do otherwise is to profane God
and treat Him as ordinary instead of the singular being He is. We do this even with "little sins"
such as unclean lips. While we might tend to overlook something which seems minor such as
cursing, gossiping, slander, and grumbling, when Isaiah saw God as He truly is, he knew that
no sin is minor and all sin must be cleansed. God is holy, but He is also merciful and ready to
forgive when we ask.

Isaiah 6:8-10
After Isaiah had been cleansed of his sin, God issued a call to him for service. God asked
whom He could send, and Isaiah said "me." God told Isaiah to go and preach a message of
judgment from a holy God and of God's offer of repentance and hope to His people. Isaiah
faithfully served God in this way for 40 years. Does this mean that if we turn to God in the
midst of turmoil in our life, recognize who He is, repent, and then serve Him all troubles will
cease? Not necessarily. Isaiah preached for all those years without Judah's turning to God. In
fact, Jewish tradition says that Isaiah was martyred by being sawn in half by one of the kings
who refused to repent. In spite of the troubles he encountered, Isaiah was used by God in a
might way. The book of Isaiah which he wrote under the direction of the Holy Spirit is one of
the most important books of the Bible, even being quoted by Jesus. Although earthquakes
may continue to hit your life while you are looking at Him in trust, you can be sure He will be
with you and He will be using you for eternal purposes.