Certainty in Uncertainty
The following devotion was written by Professor William Zhu, my colleague at Asia Lutheran Seminary. It felt very appropriate for our times. I hope it is as comforting to you as it was to me.
Isaiah 6:1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.
In this passage, we observe several striking contrasts that offer insights into life and ministry. King Uzziah, once a powerful and God-fearing ruler who reigned for over five decades—a notably long tenure compared to other kings of Judah—has now passed away. The phrase "In the year that King Uzziah died" evokes a somber mood, reflecting the loss of a longstanding leader and the uncertainty it brought to the nation. This was the context in which Isaiah began his prophetic ministry.
If we consider this verse as a picture, it is not painted on a canvas but rather unrolled on a scroll. The depiction of the deceased great king is only part of the scene; as the narrative unfolds, an unexpected and even more magnificent vision emerges – that of the Lord Himself, "sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up." This shift in focus transforms the entire atmosphere, offering a profound glimpse into the intricate interweaving of human life and the gospel. It is likely that Isaiah intended to convey this message not merely through words, but also by creating a vivid visual image that transcends mere verbal description.
King Uzziah has passed away, and his reign has come to an eternal end; however, the Lord remains ever-living, and His sovereignty is eternal. This stark contrast conveys a profound gospel message, inviting individuals to redirect their focus to the true source of healing, comfort, transformation, and genuine hope.
One may wonder why Isaiah went to the temple on that specific day. What prompted him to do so remains uncertain. While we cannot know for sure, it is evident that the Lord was guiding him behind the scenes. This visit marked the moment when Isaiah received his divine calling and commenced his public ministry as a prophet, which would continue for many years until the reign of the notorious King Manasseh. According to legends and traditions, it’s under Manasseh’s reign, Isaiah ultimately met his martyrdom for his unwavering faith.
There must have been a reason for Isaiah's initial decision to go to the temple. Rather than attributing it to a clear divine vision, it is more plausible that his visit began with a common and understandable motivation, which makes Isaiah more relatable to us and, in turn, more encouraging and comforting. After all, Isaiah recorded this entire experience not merely as a personal diary or autobiography, but also for the benefit of God's people, including you and me. Some historians suggest that Uzziah and Isaiah were cousins. Whether viewed through the lens of family ties or from the perspective of an ordinary individual, it is natural to feel anxious about the future during times of uncertainty. Such moments are indeed fraught with unease.
We are not suggesting that Uzziah's reign was an era of unbroken prosperity and peace. Since the fall of Adam and Eve, there has never been a perfect period in human history. Life is replete with struggles and sorrows, many of which may seem trivial or personal—issues that do not necessarily have world-changing implications but are nonetheless deeply felt by those who experience them. Even for Christians, life remains fraught with worries and challenges. Let us pause here to reflect on a question: Where does life's sorrow ultimately lead us?
We understand that, ultimately, these struggles and sorrows are the consequence of sin—whether our own, others', or a combination of both. This complexity renders many of life's problems seemingly unsolvable. The ultimate solution does not lie in finding an answer but in encountering the truth.
Even in this somber narrative and moment, there is still a gospel message to be found, reminding us that sorrow is not the end of the story. Without hope in God and His salvation, Uzziah's lifeless body would remain as it was, growing ever more distant from restoration. For the kingdom of Judah, placing hope in finding another "Uzziah" would only lead to greater disappointment and despair.
Then, where should one seek hope?
Let us consider where Isaiah was guided—not to the tomb of his cousin to mourn, but to the temple of God. In the temple, he beheld the eternal One seated on the throne. Amidst the imagery of death, Isaiah's life was renewed! This is a miracle often witnessed among those who live according to the gospel. Under the weight of humanity's inevitable mortality, Isaiah found support in the holiness and glory of God. This sanctified life, which God will realize and bestow through His Son Jesus Christ as part of His salvation plan, is a message that Isaiah would proclaim repeatedly during his days of ministry to his world.
Thus, we can find assurance of life in the gospel. Rather than being worn down by the world's troubles, our lives need to be—and can be—refreshed by God's words and visions. Although this is not an easy situation, it was during this same period that Isaiah truly beheld God seated on His throne. Life may be filled with unsatisfying moments, but God's grace and wisdom can transform these into opportunities for blessings, enabling God’s people to explore and experience His providence and continually grow in the holiness of life that Jesus has secured for us.
Prayer: Lord of Grace, we thank You for being our true hope and steadfast refuge in times of trouble and sorrow. Strengthen our faith and renew our vision, that we may grow in our understanding of the gospel and share Your good news with the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.