Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies (Isa. 6:5).
Endless discussions take place in Christian circles on the qualities and qualifications necessary for people who have to take leadership positions in groups or congregations. Various systems are used to train people in providing effective spiritual guidance to Christian communities.
Isaiah’s vision and calling show us the three fundamental qualifications. First, he had a vision of God. He could say, “Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” Direct knowledge of God in which the person involved knows without a doubt that he met with God, is decisive.
Secondly, Isaiah saw himself exposed in all his human weakness, fallibility and sinfulness. A crucial part of spiritual leadership is realistic self-conviction and the consciousness of human weakness.
Thirdly, Isaiah knew that he had been forgiven and accepted by God. He could go to the people with self-confidence that was not born of his own achievements and competence, but of humility that came from the knowledge that he was dependent on God’s grace. He would serve, knowing that he was nothing in himself and that God was everything.
Whoever is a servant of the Lord, or wishes to be His servant, needs this inner equipment. You must meet God face to face, and know that God has accepted you in spite of all your weaknesses. These are the qualities every Christian believer should work on.
Father, allow me to see You often and know that You hold me close and want to use me. Amen.
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