The Seraphim: A Model for Human Worship

Isaiah 6:1-4:

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

Here, we are introduced to the seraphim – heavenly beings who are always in the presence of the Lord. These celestial creatures seem to have been mentioned earlier in 1 Chronicles 21:20, where the Angel of the Lord is accompanied by beings described as his sons who hide themselves. They are later reintroduced in Revelation 4:8-11. The primary purpose of the seraphim appears to be the constant praise and worship of God as if that is the very essence of their existence. Describing them as “sons” resonates with our spiritual identity, emphasizing our longing to be in God’s presence and exalt Him unceasingly. It is our spiritual desire as God’s children to be in the Lord’s presence and glorify Him always(Psalm 139:7-12). The question then arises: how can we emulate the actions of the seraphim, and why does God even keep them around? As worshippers, we should strive to praise and glorify God with the same fervor and dedication as the seraphim. Their example challenges us to make worship a central part of our lives, not just an occasional activity. Additionally, the presence of the seraphim suggests that God delights in the worship and adoration of His creation. He keeps them around because their praise brings Him joy and glory. As we seek to emulate the seraphim, we can find comfort in knowing that our worship is pleasing to the Lord and fulfills His purpose for us.

God’s Wants and Our Needs

There exists a synchrony between God’s desires and our needs. God, being self-sufficient, lacks any needs; instead, He operates from a place of desire and intention, with His word always fulfilling his desires (Isaiah 55:11). While God approaches us from a standpoint of want, we come to Him out of necessity(Revelation 14:7). The Lord maintains the presence of the seraphim because He craves unceasing worship(Psalm 29:1-2). Should these celestial beings falter in their duty to continuously praise Him, their very existence would lose significance. Thus, their worship is not just a duty but a necessity for their very being. Similarly, for us to abide in God’s presence, akin to the seraphim, perpetual worship is essential to avoid rendering our existence redundant(Psalm 82:6-7). God’s delight in our worship stems from His joy in hearing our praises(Psalm 69:30-32). As we bless the Lord, He is moved to lavish more of Himself upon us(Exodus 20:24), making it a mutually beneficial exchange. This symbiotic relationship results in God receiving His due praise while we bask in the joy of His presence, creating a harmonious and fulfilling dynamic(John 15:4).

True Worship from the Heart

However, our praise is not merely to inform God of His greatness, for He already knows this(Jeremiah 32:27). Rather, it is for us to know and internalize the greatness of God(Isaiah 45:3). God desires that we recognize and testify to His divine nature(Psalm 100:1-3), not just with our words, but with the genuine awe, gladness, and thanksgiving that wells up from our hearts(Hebrews 12:28). God does not accept superficial worship; He looks at the heart to see if our praise reflects a deep understanding and belief in who He is(Isaiah 29:13). Like the seraphim, we are called to be sons of praise, constantly acknowledging the majesty and glory of our God(Nehemiah 9:6).

The Challenge and Joy of Worship

Attaining the level of worship exemplified by the seraphim is no easy feat, as it requires us to crucify our natural human inclinations(Romans 12:1-2). It demands an exercise of faith, a daily dying to our carnal desires to satisfy our spiritual longings(Revelations 3:12). We must believe, with unwavering conviction, that God is truly present with us(Matthew 8:20), just as He is with the seraphim, and worship Him accordingly.If we genuinely believe in the immanence of God’s presence, we must allow our hearts to pour out their testimony about Him. Whether through fervent prayer, soulful song, or sacrificial acts of devotion, we must seize every opportunity to glorify the Lord. However, when our hearts feel empty, devoid of praise, and dry of worship, it becomes our responsibility to cry out to Him, call upon His name, and expectantly await His reviving touch and worship(Psalms 50:14-15).

As we engage in this sacred pursuit, we will continually experience the joy of His presence, just as the seraphim do, and live in the nature He has gifted us to receive. This nature, bestowed upon us by God, empowers us to worship Him in spirit and truth, aligning our hearts with the eternal song of praise that resounds in the heavenly realms(Psalm 86:9-10).