“Here I Am! Send Me.”
The prophet Isaiah describes an incredible vision that God gave him in Isaiah 6. He saw the Lord on a throne with angelic beasts flying around crying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3 NIV)
An angelic being then came to Isaiah, took a burning coal and touched his mouth with it to show the removal of his guilt and the forgiveness of his sin. (Isaiah 6:7) That’s when Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8)
Isaiah responded willingly and said, “Here I am! Send me.”
When Jesus came to earth He had an effect on people similar to the one God had on Isaiah. Many people who came face to face with Jesus were forever changed. He forgave their sins, removed their guilt, and healed their bodies. And when Jesus called His disciples, they willingly followed Him. When He sent them out to minister, they promptly went.
And before ascending into heaven, Jesus said, “go into all the world and make disciples.” His desire was that as His disciples lived their lives, they would tell people about Him and teach others everything He said. (Matthew 28:18-20)
What does this mean for us?
God might call some of us to go out into different parts of the world, and He might call others to stay where they are and become teachers, leaders, pastors, mothers, fathers, creatives, business owners, farmers, and active members of their local communities.
So in what ways do you need to say “yes” to God’s call today? What daily opportunities do you have to tell people about Jesus? Regardless of what you do or who you are, each of us can say, “Here I am! Send me.”
Holding the Door Open
In 2 Peter 3:9, Peter writes to encourage his friends…
“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."
Peter is reminding them that the world in its present state won’t last forever. We look forward to the day when the new heavens and new earth will arrive and all evil, suffering, and death will pass away.
But our time holds a special characteristic: it’s a chance for people to repent and find salvation.
Jesus, in His kindness, is holding the door open—giving time for more people to turn away from destructive living and come to Him.
This is our golden opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus. Through His followers, He is actively extending His offer of new, eternal life to the world.
And those who respond to that invitation will find the peace of God’s presence. They’ll have access to joy that can’t be taken away by ...