January 8: God is Holy
Isaiah 6:3 (ESV)
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
The Scene of Holiness
Picture this: A young man named Isaiah stands trembling in the temple. The year is 740 BC, and the great King Uzziah has just died, leaving a vacuum of leadership in Judah. Uncertainty fills the land. But as Isaiah lifts his eyes, he is swept into a vision beyond comprehension. He sees the Lord seated on a throne, high and lifted up. The train of His robe fills the temple with glory, and above Him hover mighty seraphim—heavenly beings crying out in unison, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” The walls tremble, and the temple fills with smoke. Isaiah is undone.
Why is this moment so pivotal? Because it reveals the essence of God’s holiness. And today, as we reflect on Isaiah’s encounter, we’ll explore what it means to worship a holy God—a God set apart in purity, majesty, and glory.
Understanding God’s Holiness
Isaiah 6:3 doesn’t just repeat the word “holiness” for emphasis; it underscores a profound truth. In Hebrew, repetition signifies importance. To call God “holy” three times is to declare that He is holiness itself. The term “qadosh” (holy) conveys separateness, a distinction from all that is common or profane. God is utterly unique—untainted by sin, unrivaled in power, and unmatched in glory.
Throughout Scripture, God’s holiness is a recurring theme. When Moses encounters the burning bush, he is told to remove his sandals because the ground is holy (Exodus 3:5). When the Israelites receive the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, God’s presence is so overwhelming that the mountain trembles (Exodus 19:18). Holiness is not just an attribute of God; it’s His essence. He is perfect in righteousness and justice, and His holiness defines all His other attributes.
But here’s the tension: If God is so holy, how can we, flawed and sinful as we are, stand before Him? This question is at the heart of Isaiah’s experience and the gospel itself.
Confronting Our Own Brokenness
When Isaiah beholds the holiness of God, his first reaction is not joy but despair. He cries, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:5). In the light of God’s holiness, Isaiah’s sin is laid bare. He realizes that he is completely unworthy to stand in the presence of such purity.
This is a universal human experience. When we encounter the holiness of God, we see our brokenness with clarity. It’s like standing in a room illuminated by a single dim bulb. We might think it’s clean—until someone flips on a floodlight, revealing every speck of dust and flaw. The holiness of God is that floodlight, exposing not just our actions but the motivations and desires of our hearts.
I remember a moment in my own life when God’s holiness confronted me. As a single father juggling parenting and a career as a magician, I often relied on my own strength to get through each day. But one evening, after an exhausting performance, I found myself alone, reflecting on my impatience with my kids earlier that day. I had snapped at them, driven by stress. In that quiet moment, God gently brought me face-to-face with my need for His grace. It was humbling and yet healing. Like Isaiah, I felt undone—but I also felt the whisper of God’s mercy.
The Mercy That Follows Holiness
Isaiah’s story doesn’t end with despair. In one of the most beautiful acts of grace, a seraphim flies to him with a burning coal taken from the altar. The angel touches Isaiah’s lips and declares, “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for” (Isaiah 6:7). God’s holiness, though terrifying, is not devoid of mercy. He makes a way for sinful humanity to be cleansed and restored.
This scene points directly to the ultimate atonement found in Jesus Christ. The burning coal symbolizes the sacrifice that purifies us. Centuries after Isaiah’s vision, Jesus, the Lamb of God, would bear the sins of the world on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, He bridges the chasm between God’s holiness and our sinfulness. As Hebrews 10:10 declares, “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Have you allowed the mercy of God to touch your life? His holiness doesn’t drive us away; it invites us closer through the cleansing work of Christ. Just as Isaiah was transformed from a man undone to a man sent, God’s grace empowers us to live holy lives.
Living in Light of His Holiness
How do we respond to a holy God? Isaiah’s final words in this passage give us a clue. After his cleansing, God asks, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah’s reply is simple but profound: “Here I am! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8). Encountering God’s holiness compels us to action. It calls us to live set-apart lives, reflecting His purity and love to a broken world.
Here are three practical steps to live in light of God’s holiness:
Cultivate Awe in Worship
Take time to reflect on God’s holiness in your daily prayers and worship. Let His majesty and purity fill you with reverence. This might mean spending extra time meditating on Scriptures like Isaiah 6, Revelation 4, or Psalm 99.Pursue Holiness in Your Life
First Peter 1:16 reminds us, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” Holiness isn’t about perfectionism but about living in surrender to God’s will. Ask Him to show you areas of your life that need refining and trust Him to do the work in you.Be a Vessel of His Glory
The seraphim proclaim that the whole earth is full of God’s glory. As His children, we are called to reflect that glory in our relationships, work, and service. How can you shine His light in your sphere of influence this week?
The Holy Invitation
That moment when Isaiah hears the seraphim’s cry, “Holy, holy, holy,” is a moment we are invited into every day. God’s holiness isn’t distant or abstract; it’s the foundation of His love, justice, and mercy. And in Christ, we are invited to approach His throne with boldness (Hebrews 4:16).
Today, take a moment to quiet your heart and listen for God’s voice. What is He calling you to surrender? How is He inviting you to reflect His holiness in your life? That whisper you sense in the stillness—it’s the holy God reaching out to you, saying, “You are mine.”
Join the FaithLabz 30-Day Prayer Challenge to deepen your connection with God and grow in the knowledge of His holiness. Discover resources to help you live a life that honors Him.
Closing Prayer
Holy God, You are set apart in majesty and purity, and yet You invite us into Your presence through Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your mercy that cleanses us and Your love that draws us near. Help us to live in awe of Your holiness and to reflect Your glory in our lives. Lord, we surrender our hearts to You and say, “Here I am, send me.” May Your holiness shape our words, actions, and thoughts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you have made it this far, then YOU ROCK!
Here’s a free 30-day Prayer Challenge to get you started and today’s song! Much love and God bless you, my friend!
