The Awe of God Over Pride: A Reflection on Isaiah's Vision

Pastor Jeremy Eastman emphasizes the importance of recognizing the awe of God over self-pride, drawing from Isaiah's vision of the Lord. He discusses the consequences of pride, the need for humility, and the transformative power of encountering God, urging individuals to seek a fresh vision through reverence and submission to God's will.

In a recent sermon, Pastor Jeremy Eastman from Ignite Church WV delivered a powerful message centered around the theme of the awe of God versus the pride of self. This discussion is not just a theological exploration but a call to recognize the supremacy of God in our lives and the dangers of allowing pride to take root in our hearts.

Understanding the Awe of God

Pastor Eastman begins by emphasizing that our relationship with God must be rooted in awe and reverence. He references Isaiah 6:1-8, where Isaiah encounters the Lord in His holiness. In this passage, Isaiah sees the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe fills the temple. This imagery illustrates the majesty and glory of God, which should evoke a deep sense of reverence in us.

The Holiness of God

The pastor highlights that while God is loving and merciful, He is also holy and unmatched in His purity. The seraphim in Isaiah's vision proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory." This declaration serves as a reminder that God's holiness is paramount and should be the foundation of our worship and understanding of Him.

The Consequences of Pride

As the sermon progresses, Eastman shifts focus to the dangers of pride, using the example of King Uzziah from 2 Chronicles 26. Uzziah was a king who initially sought the Lord and prospered greatly. However, as he grew strong and successful, pride crept into his heart, leading to his downfall.

The Downfall of Uzziah

Uzziah's pride led him to overstep his boundaries by attempting to burn incense in the temple, a role designated for the priests. When confronted by the priests, he became angry, and as a consequence of his pride, leprosy broke out on his forehead. This story serves as a cautionary tale about how pride can blind us to our limitations and lead to spiritual ruin.

The Transformative Power of Encountering God

Pastor Eastman emphasizes that an encounter with God can radically change our lives. When Isaiah encountered the Lord, he was immediately aware of his unclean lips and the sin of his people. However, through God's grace, he was cleansed and commissioned to go forth and speak to the people. This transformation illustrates that when we come into the presence of God, we are not only exposed to our shortcomings but also offered redemption and purpose.

The Call to Action

The pastor challenges the congregation to respond to God's call, echoing Isaiah's declaration, "Here I am, send me." This call is both individual and collective, urging believers to step into their roles in advancing God's kingdom. He stresses that this requires humility and a willingness to let go of pride, recognizing that any success we experience is due to God's grace and not our own efforts.

Seeking a Fresh Vision

Eastman concludes by encouraging the congregation to seek a fresh vision from the Lord. He asserts that the degree to which we allow pride to die in our lives is directly related to our ability to see clearly and receive God's vision. He reminds us that pride and self-righteousness can cloud our judgment and hinder our relationship with God.

The Importance of Humility

To cultivate humility, Eastman suggests that we must continually seek the Lord, acknowledge His sovereignty, and give Him all the glory for our accomplishments. He references Psalm 33:8, which calls all the earth to fear the Lord and stand in awe of Him. This awe should drive our prayers and actions, expecting God to move in powerful ways.

Conclusion

In summary, Pastor Jeremy Eastman's message serves as a profound reminder of the importance of placing the awe of God above the pride of self. By recognizing God's holiness and our need for humility, we can experience transformation and clarity in our lives.

As we seek to honor God and advance His kingdom, let us remember that it is not about us, but about His glory and purpose in our lives.