Here Am I; Send Me

Background Scripture: Isaiah 6
Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 6:1–8

Introduction

To begin this study, let us consider the spirit and attitude of a calm and humble Christian, one who has experienced the new birth and is at peace with God, the brotherhood, and humanity in general. We live in a world where fear and deception have taken root and multiplied like a deadly virus. The well-grounded believer is keenly aware of these deviant spirits, but they do not dominate his life.

Such a believer, whether man, woman, or youth, recognizes that the question “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” (Isa. 6:8) is not a trivial question to be taken lightly. It is a query directly from the halls of heaven, addressed to those who desire to be involved in God’s eternal purpose. As sons and daughters of the most high God, may we, as Isaiah, prepare ourselves and also answer with one of the sweetest responses found in the Bible, “Here I am, Lord, send me!”

Key Verse

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak (John 12:49).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Isaiah’s momentous encounter with God was in the year that king Uzziah died. Uzziah had been a strong, capable ruler with a fruitful reign of fifty-two years. He excelled as administrator of the kingdom of Judah and as commander-in-chief of the army, but then, disastrously, this honorable king in his later years became lifted up in pride and usurped the authority of the priests by burning incense in the temple of the Lord. God struck Uzziah with leprosy, and he remained as such, a leper to the day he died. Older, mature Christians would do well to ponder this tragic account.

Then came Isaiah’s call into the service of the King of kings, the Almighty God. Isaiah would not be an effective prophet until he met the Lord. Meet the Lord he did, and this took place at the temple in Jerusalem. Words fail to describe Isaiah’s visionary experience, a powerful, life-changing event where Isaiah came face-to-face with the consummate holiness of God. The seraphim, those strange but wonderful angelic beings, cried, “Holy, holy, holy,” proclaiming everlasting honor and glory to God Almighty. Isaiah was overcome by his feelings of unworthiness and felt caught in an unclean state.

One of the seraphim touched Isaiah’s lips with a burning coal from the altar, signifying his sins had been purged and forgiven. Holy fire now burned in his bosom, consecrating his heart and lips for the Master’s use. His God-given message was relevant in his day and remains applicable today, comforting the earnest seekers of truth and piercing the heart of the stubborn and disobedient. Isaiah remained God’s faithful prophet to the end of his days. Although not recorded in the Bible, it is believed that Isaiah was executed by the despotic king Manasseh, cruelly sawn asunder and thereby gathered into the company of the heroes of faith (Heb. 11:37).

Practical Truths for Today

Holiness is a most necessary virtue of the Christian experience. If we are to be effective as God’s emissary, the mark of holiness must be stamped upon our life. Holiness may have a broad application, but in simple terms, it is the result of being separated from the uncleanness of the world. Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord or be used by Him (Heb. 12:14).

To be ambassadors for Christ, preparation is necessary. We need to be firmly rooted and grounded in the Word of God, possess a teachable spirit, be able to receive correction, and be willing for lifelong sanctification. We will need to avoid the bondage of perfectionism and go forth in simplicity. Often the call to service is not for the most qualified but for those willing to use their abilities and talents to the benefit of the kingdom. We may feel challenged to communicate effectively, but as we go forward in faith, the necessary witness will be quickened by the unction of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes we are called to duties that are necessary but not so pleasant. We may not have asked for involvement in perplexing situations; nonetheless, it is our duty to offer our talents and our life for that matter in humble obedience. In times like these, what is truly important comes into focus. Does the spirit of Isaiah’s availability have the preeminence in my heart? If we are serious in our intent and declare in faith that we desire to do what we can for the Lord, He will put us to work. Do not say, “Here I am; send me!” unless you really mean it.

There are no shortcuts to receiving the blessings of being a faithful servant of God. We should not be surprised if our pledge, “Here I am; send me,” is tested and met with resistance. Isaiah testified to a hardened and obdurate people. These were the lost sheep of Israel of that day. Today the lost sheep of Israel have not yet been all gathered in. Who will reach out in humility, love, and compassion? May we willingly engage ourselves with the hope and expectation, knowing that “he that watereth shall be watered also himself” (Prov. 11:25).

It is in our best interest to not be overly concerned with what the Lord may have us do. It may seem too simple, but our main obligation is to follow in obedience, being willing to labor in public visibility or unnoticed in the background. It may be as simple as a random act of kindness, and as modest as looking down the church pew and caring for the heartache sitting right beside you. All that is needed is a caring brother and sister, someone who can listen with the balm of heartfelt attention. The spirit of quietness and gentleness will be felt by a hug and a hand on the shoulder and will honor the commitment “Here I am; send me!” There is such a thing as companionable silence; if minutes pass when nothing is said, it need not be uncomfortable.

The Lord is looking for volunteers as He searches homes, congregations, and the kingdom at large. He is passing through crowds of people. He stops, his eyes find you, and then He looks into your heart. He asks, “Will you be my volunteer?”

Once there was a man, Simon of Cyrene (Mark 15:21), summoned from the crowd by the imperious Romans to carry the cross of a Man in dire extremity. On that fateful day, was it coincidence that Simon was the right person at the right place at the right time? What an example and inspiration. To be a volunteer is a noble endeavor; even submitting to a “necessary conscription” for the cause of Christ is honorable. God is not asking us to personally evangelize the world, but He is asking us to do our little part to help bear a burden and to hold up our little candle, even if only a candle in the wind.

When we commit ourselves, we are embarking on a life-changing experience. We are willing to be used as the Lord sees fit, willing for sanctification in the truest sense of the word, willing to bear our cross, and, as Simon of Cyrene, willing to help fellow travelers with their afflictions on the journey to heaven’s door. And then someday soon, we will stand before the Lord with that innumerable cloud of witnesses, exclaiming with a joy never known before, “The eternal weight of glory is our exceeding blessing and recompense” (2 Cor. 4:17).

Questions

1. Is sanctification necessary before we can speak for the Lord?
2. What are some nonconventional ways that we can be of service to the Lord?
3. How do we understand “For many are called, but few are chosen”? (Matt. 22:14).
4. Can the Lord use us if our “Here I am; send me” is not sincere?

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).