Isaiah the prophet was dismayed when King Uzziah died, somewhere around 740 B.C. He had reigned over Judah for 52 years, longer than any previous king. The northern kingdom of Israel was being threatened by the growing Assyrian army and would fall in 722 B.C. That same army would soon invade the southern kingdom of Judah and the capital city of Jerusalem. There was deep anxiety as to what the future held for the people of God. Isaiah was both saddened and perplexed by the circumstances around him.
The sixth chapter of Isaiah records an event that brought Isaiah great peace. The chapter begins, “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple” (Isaiah 6:1, NKJ). In the midst of Isaiah’s trouble, God revealed Himself as the Sovereign Ruler of the universe! The king may be dead, but God is very much alive!
The ninth anniversary of my father’s death is in December. He was my mentor, encourager and example. Dad was the patriarch of the family. His death was hard, but this verse gave me great peace. I thought to myself, Dad has died, but God is on His throne and in control! The Lord is high and lifted up! He is the Creator of all and the Sustainer of all.
The many deaths recently have reminded me again of this verse. Possibly someone very close to you has died, and you are wondering what the future holds. Maybe a father or mother has departed from this world to be with Jesus, but it has left you somewhat dismayed and troubled. Remember, the one you love has died, but God is high and lifted up on His throne! Isaiah writes, “Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless” (Isaiah 40:28-29, NLT).
This verse also speaks to my heart concerning the struggles in our nation. The rhetoric surrounding this election has been deafening. The division and discord in the nation has deepened. Even now, businesses in major cities are boarding up their windows, preparing for the rioting that is expected after the election. What will the future hold?
The Coronavirus is infecting growing numbers of people. Schools are struggling to stay open due to infections among students. Government leaders are threatening to shut down the economy again. What is going to happen? When will we have a vaccine?
In the midst of it all, this verse from Isaiah echoes in my heart – “….I saw the Lord, high and lifted up…” Whatever happens in this world or whoever occupies the White House, believers live with peace and confidence because the Lord is the Sovereign Ruler of it all!