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Jehovah-Sabbaoth


In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called out to another and said, “ Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.” (Isaiah 6:1-3 NASB) 

JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH meaning “The Lord of Hosts” 

     In the year that king Uzziah died. Transition of power...sound familiar? Uzziah had been a good king, for the most part. His son had already been regent for several years due to the king's illness, but there was still the question: now that there's no one who has authority over him, what will happen? It turned out that Jotham was also a good kind, but that was disclosed in the future. 
      Isaiah saw a vision of Heaven, where God is on the throne and angels humbly declare how triply holy He is. The name "The Lord of Hosts" is Jehovah Sabbaoth. Translations like the NIV use "Lord Almighty." God is in control. We need that reminder and we need it often. 
         My response to "God is in control" tends to be "Whew, that's good" or "so now we'll see what He does about this! (And I hope He gets started soon, because things are pretty messed up.)"
         Isaiah's reaction, recorded in the verses following those quoted, is a little different. Instead of "Yeah, God - sick'em!" his response was “ Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” 
          God's response was not "You're right, Isaiah, you're a mess and until you get your act together, you are not to speak for me." He sent an angel with a coal to sanctify Isaiah's mouth in spite of his fallen humanity, and sent Isaiah out to warn the people of Judah of what will happen if they don't repent.

          Jehovah-Sabbaoth, like Isaiah, I am a man of unclean lips living among a people of unclean lips. Four things I ask, that You would give me a clearer vision of You, that You would give me a clearer vision of myself, that You would sanctify my mouth, and that You would use me to encourage and warn my people.

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On The Calendar:

Chinese New Year: The Year of the Rooster (Pray that China wakes up to God.)

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