Today we continue learning about the pastorate from the vision in Isaiah 6:5-9.
Last week Perkins gave us the first cause for Isaiah's amazement. This week we hear that the second cause for Isaiah's fear and astonishment is that he saw the Lord who appeared in glory to him. Thus the pastor also should be afraid to be in the presence of God.
Then Perkins gives us some practical implications from Isaiah's vision. We see:
(i) the extreme presumption of ministers who rashly enter the ministry;
(ii) the fear of the prophet at the least revelation of God's glory;
(iii) the mercy of God and our unworthiness, sinfulness and holiness.
I liked this comment about praying when preaching: 'This explains the reason for the practice in all Christian churches of prayer before and after the sermon. This is not for decorum merely, to grace the action, but to sanctify and to humble ourselves. We are coming before God's presence! We do not think reverently enough of God and his presence if our practice is to the contrary.'
Preaching is indeed a drawing near to God and so prayer is a must.
Read Chapter 2 (Divine consolation).
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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