“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
As we continue the Year in the Bible at St. Luke’s, we are now reading through the Book of Isaiah. The book of Isaiah is the longest prophetic book. The book begins with Isaiah, who receives a vision to go and speak to the people on behalf of God. Isaiah is to invite the people back to faithfulness to the God who saved them. Isaiah proclaims that God is holy and above all. It is God who would redeem Israel. Through this book, God’s people are called to obedience while trusting in God’s goodness, knowing that God will act today, tomorrow, and in the future.
In Isaiah chapter 6, the prophet Isaiah is transported to heaven, where he sees God in all His majesty. The room is filled with God’s glory. Around God, the prophet sees heavenly beings. This stunning vision is a reminder that God is lord of all the earth. During this heavenly vision, God asks the question, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Thankfully, Isaiah answers, “Here I am, send me!” God was searching for someone to share His words of warning and hope with the world. Isaiah takes God’s word and, from this vision, shares the word of the Lord with Israel.
This story spoke so strongly to me as I experienced my call into the ministry early in high school. I did not know what ministry would mean, but I knew that God had put on my heart that I would serve. Much like Isaiah, I did not know where I would go or exactly what I would say, but I was willing to say, “Here I am, send me!” I have never regretted answering God’s call to serve and share His words of hope. It is the great privilege of my life.
We are all called to share God’s words of hope. It is our calling to go and speak God’s good news. The Apostle Peter writes, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9) This is why we ask each member of St. Luke’s when they join if you will share God’s love and bring hope to the world. Communicating God’s love happens in so many ways. You may be called to share the love and hope of God with a friend, a family member, or a co-worker. You have a story to share. When that time comes, I hope you boldly say, “Here I am, send me!”
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
