Introduction:
Isaiah's commission is a pivotal moment in the prophetic ministry of Isaiah, one of the major prophets in the Old Testament. This event is recorded in Isaiah 6 and marks the beginning of Isaiah's mission to the people of Judah. The commission is characterized by a profound vision of God's holiness, Isaiah's personal purification, and his acceptance of the divine call to prophesy.

The Vision of God:
Isaiah's commission begins with a majestic vision of the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, with the train of His robe filling the temple. This vision occurs "in the year that King Uzziah died" (Isaiah 6:1), a time of political transition and uncertainty for Judah. The seraphim, angelic beings, surround the throne, each with six wings, proclaiming the holiness of the Lord: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth" (Isaiah 6:3). The repetition of "holy" emphasizes the absolute purity and otherness of God, setting the stage for Isaiah's response.

Isaiah's Response:
Confronted with the overwhelming holiness of God, Isaiah becomes acutely aware of his own sinfulness and the sinfulness of his people. He cries out, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts" (Isaiah 6:5). This confession highlights the prophet's humility and recognition of human inadequacy in the presence of divine perfection.

Purification and Forgiveness:
In response to Isaiah's confession, one of the seraphim flies to him with a live coal taken from the altar. The seraph touches Isaiah's mouth with the coal and declares, "Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin is atoned for" (Isaiah 6:7). This act symbolizes the purification and forgiveness necessary for Isaiah to stand as a prophet before God and His people. The coal from the altar signifies the cleansing power of sacrifice, foreshadowing the ultimate atonement through Christ.

The Divine Call:
Having been cleansed, Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord asking, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?" (Isaiah 6:8). Isaiah responds with readiness and willingness, saying, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8). This response reflects Isaiah's commitment and obedience to God's call, despite the challenges he will face as a prophet.

The Message and Mission:
God commissions Isaiah with a message that is both challenging and sobering. He is to proclaim to the people, "Keep listening, but do not understand; keep looking, but do not perceive" (Isaiah 6:9). Isaiah's mission involves delivering a message of judgment and hardening, as the people's hearts are calloused and unresponsive. The prophet is to continue this proclamation "until cities lie in ruins without inhabitant, until the houses are left unoccupied and the land is desolate and ravaged" (Isaiah 6:11). This message underscores the seriousness of Judah's spiritual condition and the impending consequences of their disobedience.

The Hope of a Remnant:
Despite the grim message, Isaiah's commission concludes with a note of hope. God promises that "a tenth will remain in the land" (Isaiah 6:13), symbolizing a remnant that will survive the coming judgment. This remnant serves as a beacon of hope for future restoration and redemption, pointing ultimately to the coming of the Messiah.

Significance:
Isaiah's commission is significant for several reasons. It establishes the authority and authenticity of Isaiah's prophetic ministry, rooted in a direct encounter with God. The vision of God's holiness and the subsequent purification of Isaiah highlight the necessity of divine grace for effective ministry. Furthermore, the commission sets the tone for Isaiah's prophetic messages, which encompass both judgment and hope, reflecting the dual themes of justice and mercy that permeate the book of Isaiah.