Wednesday 3 June 2026

Psalm 73

Background
Our Bible readings this week either concern supernatural events or significant sayings. All warrant our attention, more so than we can share in these short commentaries. We have today the prophet Isaiah’s inaugural vision. It is his own account of his encounter with God and of his call.

The scene is the Temple; the Lord is on his throne and is being attended to by seraphs (heavenly beings). Isaiah has so fully entered into this that he experiences their worship. This is not a place for mortals (Exodus 33:20). Isaiah makes confession and a seraph attends to him, cleansing him of unclean lips (by implication his heart) and therefore Isaiah is able to remain. It is after the touch with the coals that God speaks, and Isaiah with unquestionable obedience responds.

There is a purpose to this encounter and his sanctification, here Isaiah is called to his prophetic ministry. And for us, we need to hear of this encounter to know the importance of all Isaiah says. In this passage God is preparing us too. Let us heed the story.

To Ponder:

• What does it mean for you that the whole earth is full of God’s glory (v. 3)? Allow this to draw you into a time of worship and listening.
• Allow today’s text to draw you into a time of confession and, as you conclude, say to yourself “my guilt has departed, and my sin is blotted out”.

Prayer
Holy and awesome God, thank you for the ways in which we encounter your presence and are drawn into worship. As we worship you, may we sense the transcending nature of our praise, mixing with that of your saints in glory. And today, enable me to serve you with that same unquestionable obedience, to the glory of your name. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd David Newlove
David is an Agricultural Chaplain, the Mission Area Lead for Cumbria in the North West England District and Superintendent of the Cumbria Circuit.