International Sunday School Lesson September 7, 2025

Описание: title: Isaiah's Call and Ministry
Isaiah's prophetic ministry began with a powerful vision of God's majesty in the temple, followed by his purification and a willing acceptance of God's call. Later, he delivered a message of death to King Hezekiah, but God extended the king's life by 15 years in response to his prayer.
​Isaiah's Call and Consecration
​In the year that King Uzziah died, Isaiah had a profound vision. He saw the Lord seated on a high throne, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Above God were seraphim, celestial beings whose name means "burning ones." They had six wings: two to cover their faces, two to cover their feet, and two for flight. The seraphim called out to one another, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" This "trisagion" points to the Holy Trinity: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
​Overwhelmed by this vision of God’s majesty, Isaiah felt completely unworthy. He cried out, "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips." This was a theophany, a visual manifestation of God, though not in His full, unapproachable form. To purify him, a seraph flew to Isaiah with a burning coal from the altar, touching his lips to atone for his sin and guilt. This act symbolized a substitutionary sacrifice, prefiguring the work of Christ on the cross. Once purified, Isaiah heard God ask, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Without hesitation, Isaiah responded, "Here I am! Send me." His immediate willingness contrasts sharply with the initial resistance of other prophets like Moses and Jeremiah.
​Hezekiah's Illness and Prayer
​Later in his ministry, Isaiah was sent to King Hezekiah, who was gravely ill. Isaiah delivered God's message that Hezekiah would not recover and should prepare for his death. In great distress, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, reminding God of his faithfulness and righteousness. His deep anguish was also tied to the fact that he had no heir to the throne.
​God heard Hezekiah’s prayer and saw his tears. He instructed Isaiah to return to the king with a new message: God would add 15 years to his life. While this was a blessing that allowed him to have a son, Manasseh, it was also a mixed one. His son would later become one of the worst kings in Israel’s history. Additionally, Hezekiah’s pride led him to show off all his kingdom's wealth to a Babylonian envoy, an act that likely contributed to future invasions. The story of Hezekiah’s healing shows that prayer can indeed change things.