Holy

The angels were created for the purpose of singing His praises. Isaiah saw them. They were the seraphim. Almost nothing is known about these magnificent creatures, this unique band of heavenly beings. But Isaiah gave us a little description of these living servants. We don't know how many he saw, but he said that each had six wings. With two they covered their faces. With two they covered their feet. And with two they flew. Can you see them? They are flying for eternity around the throne of God content in fulfilling their purpose. As with us, being faithful in fulfilling our mission brings glory to God, and contentment in life.

The word seraph means "to burn." They are living creatures of flame flying, singing praises to God. Isaiah also gives us the words of their song: "Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD Almighty. The whole earth is filled with His glory." (Isaiah 6:3, NLT) The fact that the angels are eternal, living flames singing, in chorus, the holiness of God not only glorifies God, but it announces His "separateness" as well. It tells all other living beings that God is not to be approached without cleansing... cleansing by fire. Otherwise He is "unapproachable, unapproachable, unapproachable." The fiery angels guard that holiness.

Some people are under the impression that we can do without God. They live as if God is not important, and the longer we avoid Him the more comfortable we will be, with distance between us. But such belief can't be any further from the truth. The most desperate, empty, hopeless and frightening emotions we have ever had are only a fraction of the eternal horror of separation from our Creator who protects and provides for us. What can we do with such a need for a "high and uplifted" God?

Isaiah answers this question. When we look in upon this amazing event, we see that he was flooded with a realization he never had before. He was overwhelmed with the awareness of the truth. He naturally and spontaneously said, "My destruction is sealed, for I am a sinful man and member of a sinful race. Yet I have seen the King, the LORD Almighty!" (Isaiah 6:5, NLT) It was then that the "angels of fire" responded with an immediate and what seemed to be a natural response. They prepared Isaiah for God.

Are you prepared for God? "Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16, NIV) Not only is He "unapproachable" and "holy," but He is loving and gracious and has prepared a way for us. And never be deceived...you will never stand "justified" and "acceptable" before the God without Jesus Christ. The price has been paid, but Jesus informs us, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6, NIV)