The call of Isaiah was a very unique story of how Isaiah volunteered to go deliver God’s message.

This was a difficult time for the people of Judah. The kingdom of Israel was split into two kingdoms: Northern Kingdom of Israel and Southern Kingdom of Judah. The king of Assyria was bound to take over the world.

The kings of these places were relied on heavily to protect the people from the Assyrian invasion. The king of Judah was Uzziah and he died. Isaiah found himself in the temple the same year that Uzziah died.

While he was in the temple, Isaiah had a vision. He saw God sitting on the throne. God’s robe was so long, the edges filled the entire temple. Then, seraphim (types of angels) came and spoke to Isaiah.

When they spoke, the foundations of the doorways shook. They said, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord; His glory fills the whole earth.” Isaiah knew his sin because he was in the presence of God. One of the seraphim touched a burning coal to Isaiah’s lips and told him that his sin was wiped away.

God then spoke, “Who should I send? Who will go for us?” Isaiah said, “Here I am. Send me.”

God had an important message to the people: “You will listen, but you will not understand. You will look, but you will not really see. If your eyes and ears and minds worked, you would turn from your sin and be healed.”

Isaiah asked, “How long should I preach to people who won’t listen?”

God said, “Preach until the cities are destroyed and no one lives in them. I am going to send the people far away.” Then God explained that He would bring some of the people back to Judah. These people were part of Abraham’s family. God was going to keep His promise to Abraham through them. He would send the Messiah through their family to be a blessing to all the nations.

I pray these Conversation Starters would bless you and your kids:

  • Have you ever volunteered for something but you didn’t know what you were doing? (Parent: explain a time when you have.)
  • Who is the main character of this story?
  • Where was Isaiah when he had a vision? (Temple)
  • How would you act if you were in the presence of God like Isaiah was? (Parents: you answer as well.)
  • Do you think that God knew that Isaiah would volunteer to go? (Yes)
  • Isaiah was told to deliver a message to people who basically wouldn’t listen. How would you feel if you were going to talk to someone who wouldn’t listen?
  • God promised to keep his promise with Abraham. Can you remember what that promise was?
  • Who is the Messiah?

As always, adjust where needed! God bless.