Read: Isaiah 5-9

Today’s Passage: Isaiah 6:5-8

In Isaiah chapters 5 through 9, we see God speaking and working powerfully through His prophet. In chapter 5, God addresses His vineyard for bearing wild grapes. In chapter 6, Isaiah stands in the holy presence of God. In chapter 7, Ahaz is given a sign and prophecy about Jesus. In chapter 8, God warns of the coming Assyrian invasion and challenges His people to wait and trust Him. Finally, in chapter 9, we are given the prophecy of a child being born for us—the promised Messiah.

Today’s passage, Isaiah 6:5-8, gives us a glimpse of Isaiah’s reaction to standing before the Lord. When Isaiah sees the majesty and holiness of God, he cries out, “Woe is me!”

He is deeply aware of his unworthiness. Many of us can relate to how Isaiah felt:

  • In truth, we should feel the same way.
  • We should feel unworthy in the presence of a holy God.
  •  It is humbling for anyone to stand before Him.

Isaiah felt this way because he was aware of his sin. It wasn’t just about his own failings but about the broken condition of all humanity. Many people today try to excuse their failures by blaming others—sometimes even Adam or Satan. They might say, “I was born this way; it’s not my fault.” While it’s true that we are born into a fallen and broken world, Scripture makes it clear that each of us is responsible for our choices. In Romans 5, Paul explains that because of Adam’s sin, death spread to all people because all have sinned. We are born with the consequences of Adam’s sin, and our own sins bring spiritual death. As we all know, no one has to be taught how to sin—it’s already part of us.

What Isaiah does next is an example for us. He doesn’t hide his sin or make excuses. He confesses it before God. In response, God sends an angel with a coal from the altar to cleanse Isaiah’s sin. This is something only God can do. Likewise, 1 John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Isaiah’s story challenges us to look honestly at our own hearts. When was the last time you paused to truly examine your life in the light of God’s holiness? When we acknowledge our sin, God is ready to forgive. Just as He cleansed Isaiah, He will cleanse us through Jesus Christ. Forgiveness doesn’t just remove guilt—it restores our relationship with God and gives us strength to live differently.

This week, take time to pray as Isaiah did. Confess honestly, listen humbly, and receive God’s cleansing grace. Then, like Isaiah, be ready to answer His call with a willing heart: “Here am I! Send me.”