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Topic: Volunteer (11/23/06)
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TITLE: Commissioned by Fire | Previous Challenge Entry
By Myrna Noyes
11/29/06 -
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I made an effort to sort out the images and impressions. The most impelling part of the vision was the majestic Being Who was composed of or enveloped in (I wasn’t sure which) the blinding light, and Whose presence permeated every aspect of the scene. I was aware of a throne upon which He sat and an altar ablaze before Him.
Terrible flaming, multi-winged creatures encircled the awesome Being, and called out antiphonally to one another, “Holy, holy, holy! The Lord Almighty is holy! His glory fills the world.”
Their voices, so resonant, so rumbling, set off an earthquake that not only shook the foundations of the temple in which they stood, but also jolted the very foundations of my spirit.
This was followed by smoke, white as mist and heavily fragranced with incense, which engulfed everything and left me unable to see for a few minutes.
Then, before my mind, the horrifying specters of every sin I had ever committed rose up en masse and stabbed long fingers of accusation at my guilt-ridden heart. Jealousy hissed at me, Rage spat, Pride taunted, Selfishness snarled, Lust sneered, Unforgiveness whined, Greed snapped.
I cowered before them as groans erupted from the subterranean caverns of my soul and then poured out like boiling lava from my mouth in a fiery agony of words. “There is no hope for me! I am doomed because every word that passes my lips is sinful, and I live among a people whose every word is sinful.” At this point my mind seemingly collapsed inward and my spirit struggled for the breath of life. Like a wall battered down by an enemy, I had crumpled face-first to the ground, past caring or even desiring whether I lived or died.
At that very moment of near-complete despair, I somehow sensed something else battling to break the surface of my consciousness, like a drowning being desperate for air and light. I recognized it as Hope, gasping but alive, and determined to stand against the cruel tormenters. My mind began to clear again, and the wondrous thought took hold of me that despite the truth of the phantoms’ charges against me, I had been permitted to behold with my own eyes the holy and glorious Presence—the all-powerful King of the Universe Himself.
One of the blazing winged creatures flew down to my side carrying in a pair of tongs a red-hot, flaming hunk of coal from the altar before the throne. This sphere of fire was touched to my lips and seared its way to the inner sanctum of my spirit. A singed taste like that of burnt ash filled my mouth at the same moment the accusing specters melted from my sight. I immediately felt that some deep hold on me had been forcibly released and a ponderous chain had been snapped.
The winged one leaned close and looked me straight in the eyes, as he nodded toward the coal. “This has touched your lips, and now your guilt is gone, and your sins are forgiven.”
Then another voice, so much stronger, immeasurably sweeter, and so much more terrifying pierced my heart in such a manner that it nearly burst with longing. “Whom shall I send? Who will be Our messenger?”
I did not hesitate the blink of an eye before I looked up pleadingly, “I will go. Send me!” Never had I desired anything so much before as to be the one chosen to meet this need.
From that moment, my life was not my own ever again. I gave my self completely and unconditionally to the One Who had cleansed me and called me. In the years to come, I would witness other visions, receive other messages, and freely respond to His call many times over; but nothing would ever compare to this first astounding encounter.
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Based on Isaiah 6:1-8. All direct quotes taken from the TEV of this passage.
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Like a wall battered down by an enemy, I had crumpled face-first to the ground, past caring or even desiring whether I lived or died. There's something about this image that is ringing true with me right now, thank you for sharing and being a blessing to us. Enjoy your trip towards the top!