• By Eugene Rutabagaya

Isaiah 6:3 : And one called to another and said : “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts ; the whole earth is full of his glory !

Under the leadership of King Uzziah (791-739 BC), Judah experienced peace and prosperity and he was highly hailed for his accomplishments on the battlefield, even though he disobeyed God in his later years. When Uzziah’s reign came to end, many - Isaiah included - wondered about what the future would hold. The outlook was “bleak”, and darkness had closed in upon the house of Judah. Nothing but judgment lied ahead, as the people of God rejected their creator.

… Until when this key moment that changed the course of his life came about. The sight of the holy God, his throne high and lifted up, the sound of the holy hymn of worship, and the shaking of the foundations of the thresholds convinced Isaiah that the Lord was still on the throne, and reigning over the universe. He was relieved, for darkness and judgment, do not, after all, have the last word.

I invite you to revisit with me the account of the Prophet Isaiah of the holiness of God. The aim is to help you contemplate the ineffable holiness of our Lord in veneration. Our text is Isaiah 6:1-4 :

o The Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up : this demonstrates the distinction between God and all other reality. He is set apart, above and beyond all creation. He is unique in holiness and glory, worthy of the praise in Heaven and on Earth. This exalted position is reserved for God alone.

o His robe filled the temple : The fact the train of the Lord’s robe filled the temple suggests that God’s holiness is everywhere. Wherever you are, wherever you will go, God’s holiness is there.

o The Seraphim’s worship service : Seraphim are heavenly creatures related to the holiness and the glory of God. Literally, Seraphim mean burners (Hebrew). They burn in adulation to God for his holiness. The covering of face was meant to prevent them from looking into God’s face : he is so holy even these sinless angels could not look directly into his face, less they die (Ex. 33:20). The Seraphim’s chorus : “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts ; the whole earth is full of his glory !”

o Lastly, the shaking of the foundations of the thresholds and the smoke. So the earth could not contain its balance at the hint of God’s holiness. It shook and trembled in adulation to the holy one of Israel. How wonderful it looks when even beings who do not breathe worship the Lord ! The earth, the wood and stone know how to shake and tremble in God’s presence.

As we conclude, the best definition of holiness is God. We cannot comprehend the holiness of God, apart from himself. He is the standard for perfect and complete life. Because of his holiness, he is separate from all that is defiled and less than perfect. Let’s contemplate the holiness of God in fear and reverence. And let’s adore him ceaselessly for he is holy, holy, holy.

In Jesus