Reading God’s Word is so revealing. I am in Isaiah this morning as I begin a study on the word “lost”.
“5And 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!” – Isaiah 6:5 (ESV)
Here, Isaiah is describing his vision of the Lord. He is in the temple looking up at the Lord on the throne. And yet, his words indicate that he is lost.
I know that I have felt similar in certain situations. I knew exactly where I was, yet was not confident in whether or not I was or belonged there in the first place. It was not until I reached out to confess my confusion and lack of confidence that I was assured to be. Isaiah asked. Okay, it was more of a statement aloud. He made it known that he was not sure that he was supposed to be there or even belonged.
“6Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7And he touched my mouth and said: ‘Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.’” – Isaiah 6:6-7 (ESV)
Isaiah spoke out to confess. This confession was was heard and action was taken to let him know that he did indeed belong.
As noted, I have experienced this sense of being lost myself and it was not until I confessed was it confirmed that I was. I am positive that it happens on the regular in our houses of worship. There are those who come to visit, looking for something and end up leaving without confirmation that they have found it. Either it comes from us as the congregation not embracing those who are visiting or from the pulpit with the seemingly vilification of us all as sinners. More can and should be done to help others as they are likely feeling lost.
It is not a good feeling to be lost, especially when I am in the right place. I may not know exactly why I am there, but there is a reason and frankly I am looking for it. I may not have the confidence to confess, and therefor it is up to someone to draw me in with an assuring word or action, just as the seraphim from the vision of Isaiah taking action to acknowledge and assure him of his rightful place there.
What are your feelings when you are out in the world? Are lost where you are or know of those who might be? What if you called out in confession of your being lost or were the one to take action of assurance to those who might be?
Trevor's Thoughts 