NAVIGATING CRISES (part two)

Navigating Crises (Part Two)

Principle Two: Remember, the Lord Sits on His Throne

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.” (Isaiah 6:1).

           Isaiah’s vision came at a critical time for his nation and for himself. King Uzziah died, suddenly giving uncertainty to a very stable situation. Not only was King Uzziah’s reign prosperous, but also the Assyrians nearby were building military strength and becoming a serious threat. Uzziah’s death was a turning point.

           Our nation, also, has endured crisis on several fronts during these first three quarters of 2020: fighting a raging pandemic, which has claimed over 200,000 lives; enduring an upcoming election with accompanying divisive campaigning; seeing racial unrest, watching peaceful protests turn violent and hearing legitimate complaints and concerns.  

           Isaiah’s vision came suddenly and dramatically, and the first thing Isaiah saw was the Lord. The first principle we learn from Isaiah about navigating crisis is to look to God. Isaiah saw the Lord!

           Notice the Lord’s position: The Lord was sitting on a throne. This is a significant breakthrough for Isaiah and his nation. Even though the earthly kingship is in transition, even though a long-term stable situation is now facing change, there is one factor that shall remain unchanged, one solid truth to which we can cling in the midst of any and every crisis: the Lord IS sitting on His throne.

           Others in the Bible spoke of seeing God’s throne:

           The Prophet Machaiah saw God’s throne (I Kings 22:19)

           Job saw God’s throne (Job 26:9)

           David saw God’s throne (Psalm 9:4,7; 11:4)

           The Sons of Korah saw God’s throne (Psalms 45:6, 47:8)

           Ethan the Ezrahite saw God’s throne (Psalm 89:14)

           Jeremiah saw God’s throne (Lamentations 5:19)

           Ezekiel saw God’s throne (Ezekiel 1:26, 10:1)

           Daniel saw God’s throne (Daniel 7:9)

           Not only was the Lord sitting on a throne, but Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, signifying a position of honor. God’s throne is mentioned in several places in the Bible. Usually, mentioning God’s throne points to God’s transcendence, dignity and sovereignty. Transcendence means to exist above, to rise above, to surpass, so God’s transcendence means He surpasses anything we can humanly comprehend, rising way above the ordinary.

           In Isaiah’s vision, the Lord sitting on His throne communicated the magnificence, splendor and exaltation of His being. He is the One and Only unique sovereign God.

           The truth that God is sitting on His throne should bring us assurance in perilous times. Whether it’s national crisis, a military crisis or wrestling with issues of social justice, remember God is sovereign, all powerful, and reigns in control when all around us seems to be spiraling out of control.

           When you face crisis, cling to God’s sovereignty and remind yourself God is on His throne, high and lifted up!