CRS Keypoints: Holiness and Divine call; The passages in Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 2-3, and Jeremiah 1 offer insights into the divine calls and the concept of holiness as experienced by these prophets.
Study Other CRS Keypoints Here
Each prophet’s encounter with God and their subsequent assignments reveal unique aspects of their calling and the importance of holiness in fulfilling their missions.
CRS Keypoints: Holiness and Divine call
i. Distinguishing the calls of Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah:
- Isaiah: In Isaiah 6:1-13, Isaiah has a profound vision of God’s glory in the temple. He witnesses heavenly beings praising God and experiences a powerful encounter with God’s holiness. Isaiah becomes acutely aware of his own unworthiness and sinfulness, but he is cleansed and commissioned by God to be a prophet, speaking His words to the people.
- Ezekiel: In Ezekiel 2-3:11, Ezekiel encounters a vision of God’s presence in the form of a chariot throne. He is called to be a prophet to the rebellious house of Israel. Ezekiel receives a scroll with words of lamentation, mourning, and woe, symbolizing the messages of judgment he is to deliver to disobedient and stubborn people.
- Jeremiah: Jeremiah’s call is described in Jeremiah 1:4-10. Before his birth, God chose Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah initially doubts his abilities, feeling too young and inadequate. However, God reassures him and promises to be with him, giving him the authority to uproot, tear down, build, and plant. Jeremiah’s calling involves speaking both messages of judgment and words of hope and restoration.
ii. Comparing the assignments given to these prophets:
While all three prophets are called to be messengers of God, their specific assignments differ in focus and scope:
- Isaiah’s primary mission is to announce God’s judgment upon Israel for their disobedience and idolatry. He warns of the impending destruction and exile but also shares glimpses of future restoration and the coming Messiah.
- Ezekiel’s assignment is centered on prophesying against the rebellious Israelites in exile. He confronts the people’s idolatry, social injustices, and false prophets. He also communicates vivid symbolic acts to convey God’s messages, demonstrating the impending judgment and the hope of restoration.
- Jeremiah is called to speak both messages of judgment and words of hope and restoration. He confronts Israel’s religious hypocrisy, calls for repentance, and warns of the impending Babylonian exile. Jeremiah also delivers prophecies of future restoration and the establishment of a new covenant.
iii. Determining the need for God’s people to be holy:
In these passages, the concept of holiness is significant in the divine calls and the mission of the prophets. Holiness refers to being set apart, consecrated, and dedicated to God’s purposes. It involves moral purity and adherence to God’s commandments.
Study Other CRS Keypoints Here
The need for holiness among God’s people is emphasized for several reasons:
- Holiness is essential for a genuine encounter with God. Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah all have profound experiences of God’s holiness, which evoke a sense of awe, humility, and conviction of sin. To approach God and fulfill their prophetic missions, they must embrace holiness.
- Holiness is connected to the credibility of the prophet’s message. As representatives of God, their words carry weight and authority. Their calls to repentance, judgment, and restoration require moral integrity and a commitment to righteousness.
- Holiness is a standard set by God for His people. Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly calls His people to be holy as He is holy. Holiness reflects the character of God and the transformed lives of His followers. It distinguishes them from the surrounding cultures and serves as a witness to the world.
- Holiness ensures obedience to God’s commands and protects against spiritual compromise. God’s people need to live in accordance with His laws and values, avoiding idolatry, injustice, and moral corruption. Holiness promotes a life of righteousness and obedience to God’s will.
In summary, the calls of Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah demonstrate the significance of holiness in fulfilling their prophetic missions. Holiness enables a genuine encounter with God, lends credibility to their messages, upholds God’s standards, and guards against spiritual compromise. The concept of holiness remains relevant today, emphasizing the need for believers to pursue a life dedicated to God and His purposes.
