Theme

Seeing God and responding to him

Questions

• Think about the vision Isaiah had of God. Would you want to experience this kind of vision (or one like it)? Why/why not?
• The word “holy” is repeated over and over again by the seraphs.
  • What does the word “holy” mean to you?
  • God is described as holy, in contrast to his people who in Isaiah 1-3 are shown to have turned away from God. Why do you think God gave Isaiah a vision of his holiness?
• The vision Isaiah has is one of constant praise to God, honouring him and giving him glory. Compare Isaiah’s vison with that of John in Revelation 4:6-11? Do these visions of heavenly praise inspire you, get you excited … or something else?
• The praise and worship God wants from his people is more than just religious ceremonies (or coming to church at the right times): look at Isaiah 1:10-17, and Micah 6:6-8 (Micah and Isaiah were contemporaries). How do these verses challenge your understanding of what worship is all about?
• Look at Isaiah’s initial response to seeing God in all his holiness (v.5) – he recognises that people and society have turned away from God, but he also sees that he too is part of the problem. Isaiah cries out “woe to me!” – he laments for himself and his community. When faced with the holiness of God, everyone is the same position. Do you think we need to discover how to cry out in lament for ourselves and our world? How do you think we can do this?
• Imagine how Isaiah must have felt when he saw the seraph flying towards him with the burning coal (v.6): it looked like he was doomed, and yet God provides a way that his guilt and sin is taken away (burned away). How does that reality for you make you feel? [also see Psalm 103:8-13, and 1 John 1:8-9]
• Isaiah’s response in v.8 is immediate – no hesitation – what do you think it takes to respond to God’s call like that? Does it need the kind of vision Isaiah had to respond with such certainty?

• Can you think of a time in your life when you have said to God “here I am, send me”? In other words, are there things God has clearly called you to do? What about the times you have hesitated or refused to go?

• If you could ask Isaiah one question, what would it be? (what do you think his answer would be?)