See Revival Day Four: Humbled by the Holy

I’ve always been drawn to nature. There’s something about spending time outdoors—hiking, walking, and praying amidst the beauty of God’s creation—that inspires humility. As I watch the trees transition through the seasons or stroll by a body of water sculpted by God’s own hand, I am reminded of the history that surrounds us and the incredible artistry that unfolds in nature. Yet, as humbling as that is, there exists an even deeper source of awe: the holiness of our Creator.

In Isaiah 6:1-8, we glimpse a profound moment in the life of the prophet Isaiah. Following the death of King Uzziah, Isaiah’s eyes were opened to the reality of Yahweh, the God of Israel, the Maker of heaven and earth, seated on a throne, high and exalted. His train filled the temple, indicating both His authority and the multitude of victories He has won.

Surrounding the throne were angels, their majesty on full display, responding in humble worship. Their faces and feet were covered, a posture of submission from the lowest to the highest points of their beings. In unison, they cried, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is filled with His glory” (Isaiah 6:3). The repetition of ‘holy’ signifies an otherness, a quality that sets God apart from all creation. Even the angels, often viewed as holy themselves, are humbled by the overwhelming beauty and authority of the Lord of hosts.

What does this teach us about God’s holiness? As Isaiah witnessed this divine scene, he became acutely aware of his own sinfulness and exclaimed, “Woe to me! I am ruined!” (Isaiah 6:5). But here’s the beautiful part—God does not reveal Himself to us to leave us in despair. Instead, He transforms us. An angel takes a hot coal from the altar and touches Isaiah’s lips, purging him of sin and guilt. God then commissions those very lips to be His mouthpiece on earth.
When we behold the Holy One, our affections, attitudes, and actions align with His holiness. It’s not about forcing ourselves to be pure; it’s about shifting our focus to God’s perfection. As we embrace the stunning reality of His holiness, our imperfections are made glaringly clear. The light of God reveals our sinful guilt, expelling darkness and replacing it with His glorious truth.

Fast forward several centuries, and we find the Apostle John having a similar vision in Revelation 4:8. He describes four living creatures, proclaiming day and night, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, who is, and who is to come.” This heavenly anthem is still being sung today, and one day, as followers of Christ, we will join that chorus, declaring, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!”

We can encounter a holy God, but it begins with an earnest request for the Holy Spirit to unveil His holiness to us. This revelation has the power to change us forever. Are you ready to be transformed by His holiness?