Jul 28, 2026
James preaches from Isaiah 6:1–8, where Isaiah sees the Lord in the year King Uzziah died. He begins by reflecting on Bob Dylan’s song “The Times They Are A-Changin’”, using it to introduce the theme of living in times of change, uncertainty and instability.
His central message is:
In a time of change and uncertainty, we need to fix our eyes on the one who is unchangeable and completely dependable.
James explains that Isaiah’s vision happened at a real point in history, around the death of King Uzziah. Uzziah had reigned for 52 years, so his death marked a time of national transition. There was uncertainty about what kind of king Jotham would be, and Uzziah’s own downfall was a reminder that even strong human leaders are flawed.
Against that background, Isaiah says, “I saw the Lord.” James stresses that while earthly kings come and go, the true King remains seated on the throne. The Lord is high and exalted, in complete authority over history, nations, creation, and our personal lives.
James then turns to the details of Isaiah’s vision: the Lord’s robe filling the temple, the seraphim covering their faces and feet, the shaking doorposts, the smoke, and the antiphonal cry:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
He explains that God’s holiness is central to who he is. God is utterly different, pure, separate from sin, and glorious. The phrase “Lord Almighty” or “Lord of Hosts” reminds us that God has countless heavenly beings at his command, serving his purposes and ministering to his people.
James also reflects on the glory of God in creation, using the Isle of Skye as an example of breathtaking beauty. But he says there is an even greater glory: the glory of redeemed humanity, people transformed by the grace of God and made part of the new creation.
Isaiah’s response is not pride but repentance. He cries, “Woe to me! I am ruined!” James points out that a true encounter with God reveals our sinfulness, even in our best actions. Isaiah recognises that he is a man of unclean lips living among a people of unclean lips.
But God responds graciously. A seraph touches Isaiah’s lips with a live coal from the altar and declares his guilt taken away and his sin atoned for. James connects this to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood takes away sin.
Finally, Isaiah hears the Lord ask, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” Isaiah responds willingly: “Here am I. Send me.” James highlights that Isaiah offers himself before knowing the full cost. His surrender comes from having seen the Lord.
The sermon ends by challenging believers to respond in the same way: in uncertain times, look to the unchanging Lord, receive his grace, and make ourselves fully available to him.
0:00 Introduction: The Times Are Changing
2:07 Change, Uncertainty and the Unchanging God
4:10 Reading Isaiah 6:1–8
6:12 The Year King Uzziah Died
10:15 Isaiah Sees the Lord on the Throne
14:20 The Seraphim Around the Throne
16:22 Holy, Holy, Holy
20:26 The Lord Almighty and His Heavenly Hosts
24:28 The Whole Earth Is Full of His Glory
28:30 Isaiah’s Repentance and Cleansing
32:33 Here Am I, Send Me