Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” - Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)
If you have been an early elementary teacher or served as an aide, you likely remember the enthusiasm of young children. Whenever the teacher asks for volunteers to do some special task, it’s not unusual for the students to raise their hands, wave excited arms, and exclaim, “Pick me!”
In today’s verse, God has an important task to be done: to deliver a message that will not be well received. It’s going to offend, he’s going to trod on some metaphorical toes, and it’s going to anger some folks. Isaiah, with what I think must have been more humility than excitedly–he is in the throne room of God, replies, “Send me!”
Later, the Father would send the Son with a similar message that raised awareness of sin among all people and offered Himself as a sacrifice that brought spiritual healing. Jesus' message also trod on the toes of power and tradition and was perceived as a threat by the religious elite, who stirred up the people to call for His death.
The Holy Spirit still calls for volunteers, asking us, “Whom shall I send?” Some are called to be missionaries, some to plant churches, and others to be teachers, yet whoever we are, we are called to be witnesses. The message we have to share is not always welcome. Some will be offended because God’s plan of salvation stands in opposition to the comfort of sin. But when given the opportunity, like the school children and like Isaiah, we should cry out, excitedly and humbly, “Pick me!”
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to be Your witnesses and for the example of Isaiah's willingness to serve. Help us to cry out with eagerness, “Pick me!” even when the situation is challenging. May we let the Holy Spirit lead us and guide us in sharing Your message of hope and salvation. Embolden us to speak with authority our stories of spiritual healing. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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