Checkmate.

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Isaiah 6:1

Chess is a game of strategy. The best players can map out in their heads the best moves to make based on the potential moves their opponents can make. It is a game in which one must consider not only his own moves but the moves and options of the person on the other side of the table. It is a game where defense and offense are played at the same time. When I was learning the game, I made the mistake of focusing on offense. I was just a few moves away from cornering my opponent’s king when I heard the fateful word “check” and in the next move “Checkmate”. Sometimes, as Christians we get so wrapped up in our lives that we are surprised when God needs to move to get our attention.

Our scripture today begins the account of the encounter the Prophet Isaiah has with God. It is a startling picture of the wide distance between what we accept for ourselves as adequate and the holiness of God. When faced with true holiness, the prophet shouts out in terror “Woe is me!” and then “I am ruined!” (Isaiah 5: 1 partial). God was calling Isaiah to a task. We live in a time similar to that of Isaiah. King Uzziah started out okay but then became a wicked ruler. We started as a Nation under God, but now chase the almighty dollar. Isaiah recognized that he dwelt among people with unclean lips and that he had unclean lips himself. But when the seraph touched his lips with a burning coal from the alter and took away his guilt Isaiah was able to respond to the voice of the Lord and proclaim: “Here am I, send me!” Jesus has died for our sins. He has directed us to go out into the world. Christians need to be careful that we take care to be Christians every day. Our words, actions, thoughts and deeds need to be centered on faith in God, obedience to his commandments and unwavering hope in the promises of Jesus Christ.

I pray today that you are able to realize the significance of your salvation.

Deacon Larry Woodard