Isaiah chapter 6 is jam-packed with revelation.

First, there is fear and awe.  Isaiah has seen the glorious God of the universe sitting on his throne; he has seen towering flying creatures and heard them proclaim the holiness of God, he has felt everything shake due to a powerful voice, and smelled the incense smoke that filled the building. No wonder he proclaims in verse 5, “Woe is me! For I am lost.”

Second, there is good news of God’s grace.  For all the awesome sensations Isaiah has absorbed, his main concern is that “I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people with unclean lips.” He knows he cannot stand in the presence of a HOLY God. But a solution is provided – a burning coal (from the sacrifice on the altar) is touched to his lips, causing his guilt to be taken away and his sin atoned for.

Third, there is a mission to be accomplished.  Isaiah will be used as God’s messenger to his people. The rest of this long book contains the communications God provides to His people through His prophet.  The central message is what Isaiah has experienced and witnessed: God is so much more glorious than we can imagine; our sin makes us completely unworthy to be in His presence; and God’s grace is the only means by which our sins may be removed.  

In addition, verses 9-13 give Isaiah instructions to tell the message even though most will not believe it or even understand it.  The outcome of this unbelief will be punishment.  But there is hope – a “holy seed” of remaining believers will continue to glorify God and pass on what they know.