Isaiah 6:2

Isaiah 6:2

Is it not strange, that of those parts of an angel's figure, which seem as if they were made only for action, four out of six are used for an entirely different purpose? It is to teach us, that it is not every power which we have and which we might think given us for public service, and for the outer life which is really intended by God for that use. Never think that large faculties are fitted only for large enterprises, and that all your endowments are to be spent on that which is to meet the general eye. Remember that of six wings an angel uses only two to fly with.

I. "With twain he covered his face." Similarly did Abraham, when he talked with God; and Moses in the bush, and Elijah and John. For the face is the expression of a man. His intellect, his heart, are there, and therefore the "covering of the face" is the confession of the weakness and unworthiness of the mind. It is the acknowledgment of the infinite distance of God. It is the sense of His exceeding glory.

II. "And with twain he covered his feet." In order, I suppose, that his very form and motion might not be seen; and therefore it is mentioned before the flight. He did not set out until, as far as possible, himself was concealed. There shall be simply the fact of a mission, and the message; so that if an angel were to bring God's embassy to you, you would not see the angel.

III. "And with twain he did fly." We are taught that angels are always interchanging some nearer worship, or some further ministry. An angel's being gives four parts to humility, and two to service. Be it with us the same. All life, humility and service; but still to humility the largest share.

IV. Why is an angel so very humble? (1) An angel is very great, and therefore he grows humble. (2) An angel is always conversant with the great things of God. (3) An angel knows and is sure that he is loved.

V. Why could an angel fly so well? (1) Because he rests. (2) Because he is disencumbered of self.

J. Vaughan, Fifty Sermons,4th series, p. 34.

References: Isaiah 6:2. W. G. Forbes, Expositor,3rd series, vol. iii., p. 239. Isaiah 6:2; Isaiah 6:3. B. Lambert, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xxiv., p. 168.