The Host of Heaven

Isaiah 6:1-3

Scripture describes angels as servants of the Creator and His people (Heb. 1:13–14), beings who would by no means allow themselves to be associated with any lesser deity. They are powerful creatures tasked with glorifying God and fighting on His behalf against all His enemies. That former task is the emphasis of today’s passage, which describes Isaiah’s famous vision of the Lord (Isa. 6:1–3). Surrounding the divine throne were several seraphim or angels, as the same beings are described elsewhere in the Bible. The Hebrew term seraphim means “burning ones,” so it is likely that these creatures had an appearance like fire, at least in this case. Apparently, angels are humble beings, for in Isaiah’s vision they covered their eyes so as not to gaze upon the greater light of the Creator. There is no reason to believe that they do anything less today when in the presence of God Almighty. Today these beings continue to be active in service to our triune Creator, fulfilling the purposes of the Lord for His glory (Luke 2:8–13).

1. How would I have responded if I had witnessed what Isaiah had the privilege to see?

2. In what ways will my life be changed in light of the reality of God’s holiness spoken by His angelic beings?

Challenge: There are many privileges that come with serving the Lord, one of which is knowing that He has appointed true angels to watch over us (Ps. 91:11–12). We are not guarded by the chubby little creatures with tiny wings that often appear in popular artwork; rather, we are protected by mighty beings who derive their strength from His hand. Our Lord has not abandoned us, having appointed the heavenly host to fight on our behalf.