The First Sunday After Pentecost: Trinity Sunday, June 6, 2004

Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29 or Canticle 2 or 13; Rev. 4:1-11; John 16:(5-11)12-15

The lesson from Revelation describes the glory of heaven. Though of course the images are inspired and poetic and not literal, the vision is foundationally true: At the heart of the experience of heaven is joy-filled, exhilarating worship. Perhaps at times on Earth, worship can be an uplifting, transcendent experience, but even at its very best it is but a pale anticipation of the reality.

In the lesson, after the visionary is admitted to heaven, he sees first of all many signs of splendor: jewels, thrones, fine garments, and radiance with overwhelming glory. He also sees the four living creatures, representing the unending worship that all Earth gives -- even the beasts, both wild and tame. Finally, he sees the 24 elders (symbolizing the 12 tribes of the Old Testament and the apostles of the New Testament) who represent the worshiping community of all the redeemed of all time. Though they wear crowns and fine linen and sit on thrones, they endlessly offer these things to the One who is -- the Lord God the Almighty (Rev. 4:8).

The unceasing worship they render begins with “Holy, holy, holy,” itself a quotation from today’s lesson from Isaiah. In this lesson is recounted the vision in which Isaiah received his call and responded to it. The vision of the heart of heaven described in the lesson from Revelation is introduced here, with the six-wingéd creatures singing aloud the praises of God. Without the benefit of the fulfillment of redemption known in the New Testament, rather than joining in the praises Isaiah is dumbfounded by his vision, and becomes afraid. Yet after he is forgiven and cleansed and then hears the voice of the Lord asking “Whom shall I send?,” he answers boldly, “Here am I; Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).

Worship in this instance leads to hearing a call to service and boldness to answer it. Finally, in the lesson from John, though there is no vision of the glory of heaven, Jesus provides a glimpse of the very life of the One who is on the throne. Here is the reason for worship, the only reason human beings were created. The Spirit will glorify the Son by taking what is the Son’s -- namely, all that the Father has -- and declare it to the disciples. Even more than in the other lessons with their more magnificent imagery, here we have human beings receiving a promise of sharing in the inner life of God himself.

Look It Up

Psalm 29 presents many images of divine “thunder” and “power,” and of created things shaking and writhing. How does this square with the last line of the psalm in which the Lord gives his people “the blessing of peace”?

Think About It

What is it that cleanses the mouth of Isaiah? Where does it come from? Who brings it? What does it mean? What are the several implication of this act?

Next Sunday

The Second Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 6C), June 13, 2004

2 Sam. 11:26-12:10,13-15; Psalm 32 or 32:1-8; Gal. 2:11-21; Luke 7:36-50