Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here I am. Send me!"
This verse follows Isaiah seeing a vision of God, and then believing he must die for having seen God. God then touches a hot coal to his lips which cleanses him of his sin. He was well informed that he was being sought. And he answered courageously. He was willing to do whatever was asked. The voice of God does not come clearly out of the heavens for most of us, though. It is a remarkable and moving example when this actually happens. I wonder sometimes if it takes more courage to follow one's calling when there is no clear, unmistakable voice or message. God still calls us, but we need to be actively listening.
Holy Lord, I hope that I have not missed your calling for me. I struggle with knowing where I am being sent. I ask for clarity and direction. Amen
Becky, transforming
Friday, July 14th, 2023
Isaiah 6:8
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”
I could not fully understand this verse without the knowledge of the preceding verses. Why would a seraphim with a burning coal in his hand touch Isaiah’s mouth with it and then say “listen carefully,” this has touched your lips, your wickedness has been forgiven. Isaiah was here on earth for a purpose and he desired that the purpose will be for God, and when the opportunity came, he jumped on it. He had been in God’s presence before but now he knew he was a sinfu…
Isaiah 6:8
The call of the prophet Isaiah is like many other call stories in Scripture. It is initially met with doubt, fear and even excuses as to why the call is mistaken. God‘s call to one who hears it is persistent. Once heard, it cannot be silenced. Our only choice is to act, either to embark on the call or avoid it. One has to have faith they will be equipped by God if the answer is yes. And one has to live with the fact that they have grieved God if the answer is no. God does not love that person any less, but is saddened by the lost opportunity to advance the kingdom through one of God’s…
Isaiah 6:8
This verse inspired composer, Dan Schutte, to write one of my favorite hymns. Number 593 in our hymnal, “Here I am Lord.” The refrain, repeated three times asks, Is it I Lord? It makes me think – well I hear you, but do you really mean me? The answer comes when you decide – I will go Lord if you lead me. If you lead me is important. Listen carefully so as not to go off on your own in the wrong direction. This refrain is meant to be sung lustily as John Wesley suggests. Lift up your voice with strength and answer the call!
Prayer: gracious God, many thanks for inspiring this composer, who’s song now inspires…