Spiritual Luminol

Ever watch "CSI"? How 'bout one of the true crime shows like "Forensic Files" or "48 Mystery"?

No matter the detective show, you can almost count on them using Luminol as part of any murder investigation. Luminol is a chemical that reacts with the iron in blood. The chemical reaction, called chemiluminescence, causes any blood to glow blue-green in the dark.

Luminol allows investigators to see blood at a crime scene that is invisible to the human eye. In a very similar way, God's holiness acts as spiritual Luminol. It allows us to see our sin that so often is invisible to us. What is hidden from our normal sight is blatantly obvious when He shines the marvelous light of His holiness on our lives.

In Isaiah 6, the Lord allowed Isaiah a glimpse of the heavenly Throne Room. The Apostle John tells us that Isaiah actually saw the preincarnate Christ seated on the throne (John 12:41). This breath-taking encounter with the Holy One changed the prophet's life forever. The Lord's awesome holiness had three lasting impacts on Isaiah.

First, Jesus' holiness CONVICTS. Like spiritual Luminol, His utter holiness reveals our own disgusting sinfulness. Isaiah quickly realized that he was unworthy of being the presence of the One the seraphim declared to be "holy, holy, holy."

Second, Jesus' holiness CLEANSES. Once the prophet admits his own sin (and the sin of the people he serves), the Lord cleanses him. One of the seraphim pulls a chunk of white-hot charcoal from the altar and supernatually sterilizes Isaiah's lips. It's a great reminder that Jesus is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us of every bit of unrighteous if we confess and repent (1John 1:9).

Third, Jesus' holiness COMMISSIONS. After convicting of his sin and then cleansing him, the Lord commissions Isaiah for service. It's interesting to note what happened when Jesus said, "Whom should I send as a messenger to My people? Who will go for Us?" Isaiah didn't hesistate. He immediately threw his hand in the air and eagerly volunteered for duty. "Lord, I'll go! Send me." And the prophet didn't even know what the assignment was!!!

It's a reminder that Jesus is looking for volunteers who are willing to serve Him no matter what. God asked Abram to "go to a land I will show you" without giving him the exact location using Mapquest, Google Maps or Tom Tom GO (Genesis 12:1). When Jesus recruited His disciples, He simply said, "Come, follow Me" (Matthew 4:19).

Jesus' holiness convicts.
Jesus' holiness cleanses.
Jesus' holiness commissions.

He's inviting each of us to join Him in His work, "Who should I send as a messenger to My people?"

What's YOUR answer?

In Christ,
Jay

From a message at Freedom River Community Church on July 13, 2008.