All Too Rare

In the sixth chapter of Isaiah, we are able to read about an occurrence that is, in today's Christian world, all too rare. Verse 8 of chapter 6 says, "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here am I; send me.'"

Did you catch the rare occurrence? It's right there in front of us. The voice of the Lord is calling out for someone to do His work. That's not rare at all.

What is rare is Isaiah's response.

He volunteered.

He offered himself to God without knowing exactly the assignment, without knowing exactly where it would lead or what the personal sacrifice necessary to do God's work would be.

But he volunteered. He even spoke eagerly, excitedly.

How many such responses do you suppose pastors and nominating committees are going to get in the coming months as churches prepare for God's ministries through them to go on?

It is far more common to get answers like, "I've done my part. It's time for you to get someone else." Or, "If you can't find anybody else, call me back and I'll think about it." Or, "I'll pray about it, but while I pray, you keep looking." Or, "I'm not qualified. There are others better than I am."

I have been a pastor for quite a number of years now and an active worker in the church as a deacon, Sunday School Director, Training Union Director and I have served on many nominating committees and I don't remember a single time when someone responded to the needs of the church, actually the needs of God in His work through that church, by saying eagerly and excitedly, "Here I am. Use me. It doesn't matter where or how or what the personal cost may be. Use me. I'll do God's work."

Don't get me wrong. Someone usually does eventually take the job. But it is all too often a heart-wrenching affair.

Folks, Jesus died for us. He gave up His body to be tortured mercilessly and poured out His blood on the ground so that we might be saved from our sins, reconciled to Holy, Righteous God.

And it is all too rare that we come, eagerly and excitedly ready to do His bidding so that His work can go on in this world He has called us to impact in His name and to His glory.

I heard a song on WCON this morning that I pray might become our theme as God seeks people willing to be His hands and feet and voice in this needy world. It was entitled, "Let It Be Me."

Want to see the world changed for the better? And I don't mean by Mr. Obama and other politicians! Let this become your watch word to Jesus. Lord, let it be me. Let it be me.

Watch out!! Jesus is going to do great and mighty things through those who are more concerned with being available and willing than qualified. Jesus is going to do great and mighty things through those who are more willing to see the need and hear His voice to answer that need than to check and see how much spare time they have to give.

Last time I checked, Christians belonged to Him. All our time and resources and energies are supposed to belong to Him. Where did we get this idea about giving Him leftovers?

Pray please for revival. We all need it so.

In His Love
Walter