Chapter 3 · Encounter 36 of 48
Holy and Near
Prepare
We began this chapter with Isaiah standing before the throne. Along the way we've seen God's glory, his holiness, his demand for purity, and his gracious provision for sinners. As you read, notice how these themes come together in one place.
Read Scripture
Open each passage here without leaving this Encounter.
Heb. 4:14-16
Jesus the Great High Priest
14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Heb. 10:19-23
A Call to Persevere in Faith
19Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Ponder
- These passages invite us to approach God with confidence. What makes that confidence possible? How does it compare with the awe and fear Isaiah felt in the throne room?
- Think back over the portrait of God you've encountered in this chapter. Which aspect of his holiness has most challenged, surprised, or comforted you? How might it change the way you approach him?
Look Again
Did you notice the word “therefore” that begins Hebrews 10:19 A Call to Persevere in Faith 19Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, Heb. 10:19
Now return to Isaiah 6:5-7 5“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” 6Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”Isaiah 6:5-7
Consider these two encounters with God's holiness. What do they reveal about the God who makes it possible for sinful people to enter his presence? How does Christ's work deepen the picture first encountered in Isaiah's vision?
Practice
Take a few quiet minutes to revisit the Scriptures from this chapter.
Choose one image or description of God's holiness that has particularly challenged or deepened your understanding of him. Spend a moment considering that the God whose holiness you've been discovering invites you to approach him through Christ.
Let your response be an act of worship, confession, gratitude, or trust.
Prayer
Thank God that the Holy One has made a way for you to draw near. Speak with him about what you've learned of his majesty and holiness, and ask him to keep forming in you reverent awe, humble confidence, and a growing desire to be like him.