Encountering God: Transformation Through Humility and Vision

Devotional

Day 1: Seeing God Clearly Changes Everything

When we truly see God for who He is—holy, glorious, and utterly unique—it shifts our entire perspective. Isaiah’s vision in the throne room was not just a religious experience; it was a life-altering encounter that exposed his own brokenness and need for grace. In a world full of distractions and self-focus, God invites us to lift our eyes and behold His majesty, just as Isaiah did. This vision is not reserved for prophets alone; God desires to reveal Himself to all who seek Him with humble hearts. When we encounter the living God, our priorities, desires, and even our sense of self are transformed. [07:40]

Isaiah 6:1-8 (NLT)
It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke. Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.” Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

Reflection: When was the last time you paused to truly seek God’s presence, setting aside distractions to see Him as He really is? What would it look like to intentionally make space for that today?

Day 2: The Danger of Self-Focus and Spiritual Numbness

A life consumed with self—chasing pleasure, numbing pain, and ignoring God’s work—leads to spiritual blindness and emptiness. Isaiah’s generation was so distracted by their own desires and comforts that they failed to notice God moving all around them. This same danger exists for us: when we fill our lives with noise, parties, and endless scrolling, we can miss the very reason we were created—to know and walk with God. The call is to wake up, recognize the emptiness of self-centered living, and turn our attention to the One who gives true life. [15:51]

Isaiah 5:11-12, 18-19, 21 (NLT)
What sorrow for those who get up early in the morning looking for a drink of alcohol and spend long evenings drinking wine to make themselves flaming drunk. They furnish wine and lovely music at their grand parties—lyre and harp, tambourine and flute—but they never think about the Lord or notice what he is doing… What sorrow for those who drag their sins behind them with ropes made of lies, who drag wickedness behind them like a cart. They even mock God and say, “Hurry up and do something! We want to see what you can do. Let the Holy One of Israel carry out his plan, for we want to know what it is.”… What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.

Reflection: What is one habit or distraction in your life that keeps your eyes on yourself instead of God? How can you take a concrete step today to shift your focus back to Him?

Day 3: Humility Before God Opens the Door to Forgiveness

Isaiah’s response to seeing God was not pride or self-justification, but deep humility and confession. He recognized his own sinfulness and the brokenness of his people, and in that moment of honest surrender, God met him with cleansing and forgiveness. True encounters with God lead us to humility, not self-exaltation. When we humble ourselves, admit our need, and turn to Him, God is eager to remove our guilt and restore us. This is the foundation of a real relationship with Him—honest surrender and trust in His mercy. [29:55]

James 4:6-8 (ESV)
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to humble yourself before God today—confessing sin, admitting weakness, or letting go of pride? What would it look like to take that step right now?

Day 4: Jesus Is the Ultimate Revelation of God’s Love and Glory

While Isaiah saw a vision of God’s holiness, we have an even clearer picture in Jesus—God in the flesh, who humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross for us. Jesus is the name above every name, the One before whom every knee will bow. His sacrifice is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love, and it calls us to respond with awe, gratitude, and surrender. Looking to Jesus daily transforms our understanding of love, purpose, and what it means to truly live. [36:55]

Philippians 2:8-11 (NLT)
He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Reflection: Take a moment to look at the cross—what does Jesus’ sacrifice reveal to you about God’s love for you personally? How might this truth change the way you approach Him today?

Day 5: You Need Community to Fulfill God’s Purpose for Your Life

God’s call is never just for us alone; He calls us into a community where we are refined, encouraged, and sent out together. Isolation leads to self-deception and spiritual stagnation, but plugging in with God’s people brings growth, accountability, and purpose. You were not meant to walk this journey alone. God has prepared relationships and community for you so that you can become more like Jesus and fulfill the mission He has for you. [47:30]

Proverbs 18:1 (ESV)
Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.

Reflection: Who are the people in your life who help you follow Jesus more closely? If you’re lacking that community, what is one step you can take this week to connect with others who will walk with you in faith?

Sermon Summary

Isaiah 6 gives us a window into what happens when a person truly sees God. In a world that constantly pulls our attention downward—toward ourselves, our desires, our distractions, and our pain—God’s invitation is to lift our eyes up and see Him as He really is. The story of Isaiah’s vision in the throne room of God is not just a historical account; it’s a living call for us to move beyond self-focus and encounter the living God. Isaiah’s world was dark, filled with idolatry, injustice, and self-indulgence, much like our own. The people of Judah numbed themselves with pleasure and ignored the suffering around them, all while claiming to be God’s people. Their eyes were on themselves, and as a result, they missed the movement of God in their midst.

Isaiah’s encounter begins with a vision of God’s holiness—His utter uniqueness and majesty. The seraphim, burning ones, cover themselves and direct all attention to God, crying, “Holy, holy, holy.” In the presence of such glory, Isaiah is undone. He sees his own sin and the sin of his people with painful clarity. But this is not the end. In his humility, Isaiah receives cleansing—a burning coal touches his lips, and his guilt is removed. Only then does he hear God’s voice, calling for someone to go and represent Him. Isaiah’s response, “Here I am, send me,” flows not from obligation but from a heart transformed by seeing God.

This is the pattern: when we see God as He truly is, we see ourselves rightly, and we are changed. We are called to lift our eyes from the endless cycle of self—our failures, our pleasures, our pain—and look to Jesus, who is the clearest revelation of God’s glory and love. Jesus humbled Himself, died for us, and was exalted so that every knee would bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord. The invitation is to stop pretending, to stop seeking comfort in lesser things, and to trust Him fully. When we do, we find forgiveness, purpose, and a community to walk with. God is not after our comfort but our transformation, and He offers us a life far greater than anything we could manufacture for ourselves.

Key Takeaways

1. Recognizing God’s Presence Requires Humility and Attention Like Isaiah, we often miss the significance of God’s presence because we are distracted or self-absorbed. The difference between a life-changing encounter and a missed opportunity is often our willingness to pay attention and humble ourselves before God. When we truly see who He is, our priorities and perspectives shift, and we become open to His transforming work. [03:31]
2. Self-Focus Numbs Us to God’s Movement and the Needs Around Us The people of Judah were so consumed with their own pleasure and comfort that they failed to notice God’s activity and the suffering of others. This self-centeredness is not just an ancient problem; it’s a modern one. When we chase after dopamine hits and distractions, we become blind to God’s invitations and deaf to His voice, missing out on the life He offers. [15:51]
3. True Encounters with God Lead to Honest Self-Assessment and Repentance Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness immediately led him to recognize his own sinfulness and the brokenness of his community. Genuine encounters with God do not leave us unchanged; they expose our need for grace and drive us to repentance. This humility is the gateway to forgiveness and transformation, not shame or condemnation. [23:53]
4. God’s Call Follows Cleansing and Surrender, Not Before Isaiah could not hear God’s call until he had been humbled and cleansed. We often want God’s direction without first submitting to His refining work in us. It is only when we surrender our self-sufficiency and allow God to deal with our sin that we become truly available and useful for His purposes. [25:44]
5. Looking to Jesus Lifts Us Out of Ourselves and Into Purposeful Community Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God’s love and holiness. When we turn our eyes upon Him, the things of earth grow strangely dim, and we find both our identity and our mission. This vision is not meant to be lived out in isolation; we need the community of God’s people to sharpen us, hold us accountable, and walk with us into the life God has prepared. [39:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:31] - Missing What Matters: The Dude Perfect Story
[05:00] - Eyes Up: The Purpose of This Series
[07:06] - Reading Isaiah 6: Isaiah’s Vision
[09:29] - Why Isaiah’s Vision Comes in Chapter 6
[11:18] - The Darkness of Judah’s Culture
[12:46] - King Uzziah: Success, Pride, and Downfall
[14:07] - Judah’s Numbing and Neglect
[15:51] - Modern Parallels: Distraction and Numbness
[18:05] - Wanting God on Our Terms
[20:53] - When God Shows Up: Family Legacy
[22:45] - Why God’s Appearances Don’t Always Change Us
[23:53] - The Pattern of True Encounters with God
[24:47] - The Problem of Self-Wisdom
[25:44] - The Need for a Fresh Vision of God
[39:56] - Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus: Helen Lemmel’s Story
[45:21] - Responding: Trust, Community, and Purpose

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Isaiah 6:1-8 (ESV) —
> 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.
> 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
> 3 And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
> 4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.
> 5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”
> 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar.
> 7 And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”
> 8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

Observation Questions

What is the first thing Isaiah notices about God in his vision, and how do the seraphim respond to God’s presence?
How does Isaiah react when he realizes he is in the presence of God?
What does the burning coal represent in Isaiah’s encounter, and what happens after it touches his lips?
According to the sermon, what was the spiritual condition of Judah during Isaiah’s time, and how did it affect their ability to notice God’s movement? [[14:07]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness led him to such a strong awareness of his own sin and the sin of his people?
The sermon says that “when we see God as He truly is, we see ourselves rightly, and we are changed.” What does this mean for how we approach God in our own lives?
The people of Judah were described as numbing themselves with pleasure and ignoring the suffering around them. How does self-focus make it harder to see or respond to God’s invitations? [[15:51]]
Why is it significant that Isaiah only hears God’s call after he is humbled and cleansed? What does this suggest about the order of transformation and calling in our lives? [[25:44]]

Application Questions

The sermon talks about how distractions and self-focus can keep us from noticing God’s presence. What are some specific distractions or “dopamine hits” in your life that might be numbing you to God or the needs of others? What would it look like to “lift your eyes up” this week? [[15:51]]
Isaiah’s honest confession (“I am a man of unclean lips”) led to his cleansing and transformation. Is there an area in your life where you need to be honest with God or others about your struggles? What’s holding you back from that kind of honesty? [[23:53]]
The sermon says, “God is not after our comfort but our transformation.” In what ways are you tempted to seek comfort over transformation? How could you take a step toward embracing God’s refining work in your life? [[20:53]]
After Isaiah is cleansed, he responds to God’s call with, “Here I am, send me.” Is there something you sense God might be calling you to do, but you feel unqualified or hesitant? What would it look like to say “yes” to God, even before you know all the details? [[25:44]]
The sermon highlights the importance of community in following Jesus. Are you currently walking with others who help you see God more clearly and hold you accountable? If not, what’s one step you could take to connect with a purposeful community this month? [[45:21]]
The story of Helen Lemmel (“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”) shows that even in suffering, fixing our eyes on Jesus can bring hope and purpose. How do you typically respond to pain or disappointment? What would it look like to turn your eyes to Jesus in those moments? [[39:56]]
The people of Judah missed God’s movement because they were focused on themselves. What is one practical way you can intentionally notice and join in what God is doing around you this week? [[14:07]]

Sermon Clips

``God is working all around them, and they have no idea. They can't see him. They don't notice him. They're too focused on their own desires for another chance to be numb again. Even though God is right there reaching out his hands and shouting to them so that they can grab his hand and find life, they can't see him. I wonder if there are people in the room tonight who realize that this isn't just talking about Judah. Judah is talking about you. This is you. Just like Judah. [00:15:31] (33 seconds) #BlindToGodsWork

But God is not out for your comfort. Do you know who wants you to feel comfortable? The devil. God does not want you to feel comfortable because everything in this world is led and run and directed by the devil. The Lord is allowing him a time so that we would choose to reach out and find him and respond to him. The Lord does not want us to feel comfortable. He wants us to get uncomfortable real fast to see everything upside down the way he does. But we don't do it unless we see him. [00:21:57] (33 seconds) #GodUpsideDownVision

The Bible's most stunning and powerful encounters with God almost always look like humans getting their eyes off of themselves and on to him. He does not adjust his desires to appease us. It's the opposite. People see God in his realm and in his way. And they change in response. We are too consumed with following our own ways and trusting our own wisdom because our eyes are on ourselves. So when God shows up and turns the tables and changes the game, the solution that he's bringing in those moments is a vision of his glory and his holiness. [00:24:14] (45 seconds) #EyesOffSelfOnGod

Isaiah sees the throne room of heaven and he doesn't just see God he sees who God really is a king seated on his throne high above everything else way up there and everyone else there is no one like him that's what the word holy means if it says holy holy holy what they're saying is there's nobody like you God there's nobody like you God there's nobody like you we're going to see what they mean by that in a minute how he is different but they get up there and they say those things to him these seraphim they see him who he is he is holy and there's no one like him nobody else gets to sit where he sits nobody else gets to be where he is and who he is it's just him. [00:29:14] (44 seconds) #HolyGodAlone

This humility this humble attitude that Isaiah was experiencing is what God has wanted for him for all of Judah for us all along to recognize that God is actually good and is actually trustworthy and is actually worthy of submission this is the foundation of every good and healthy relationship with God Isaiah figured that part out when I see God I get down on my knees and I say yes Lord not my will but yours be done I can trust you. [00:35:04] (28 seconds) #TrustInGodsGoodness

Isaiah is likely not aware in the slightest exactly what God is wanting him to do but he has seen God and that clear vision of who God really is was enough to convince Isaiah to trust him whatever he said Isaiah trusted him he responded in verse 8 by saying I'm right here Lord you can send me we need a glimpse of God we see him clearest in Jesus we need to get our eyes up and see the king why because he is the only trustworthy person you are ever going to meet the only person whose help will actually work for you forever. [00:36:41] (43 seconds) #TrustAndGoForGod

You need to realize that Jesus didn't just die on the cross he died on your cross my cross we have to own it we should have been on that for our sins and our mistakes and our failures we have to make the shift from Jesus died on a cross or the cross to my cross it was my death that he died up there honestly what kind of love is that it's crazy. [00:38:49] (34 seconds) #MyCrossHisLove

Pretending to submit to God isn't anything special it's as bad as straight up hating him you have to actually trust him to get the real deal and I love this Almighty one doesn't end with verse 15 because there's good news on the back end of that submission to him you can't predict how God is going to satisfy you who gets honey out of a rock nobody that's the answer he's working on levels that we can't imagine let alone understand we just got to trust him. [00:42:54] (33 seconds) #TrueTrustNotPretend

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the significance of Isaiah's vision in chapter six?

How does humility lead to encountering God's holiness?

Why do appearances of God often go unnoticed or misunderstood?