Just some early morning thoughts from me to you…
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined…
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:2, 6 (NKJV)“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.’”
Isaiah 6: 8 (ESV)“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
Matthew 28: 18-20 (NIV)
It was a time of darkness. God’s children had turned from Him. Idols and idolatry were rampant.
God had been set aside, as His children sought refuge in the things of the world—power, corruption, position, image, greed, and other forms of behavior not reflecting a life honoring their God.
And God needed a prophet to send to call His children back to Him. Back to the lives He had created them to live. It would not be an easy task. One of risk with little personal reward, but with the greater eternal satisfaction of lives redeemed and turned back to God.
And young, intelligent, affluent Isaiah heard the words of God—
“Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?”
And Isaiah raised his hand, stepped forward and answered—
“Here I am! Send me.”
What would we have done?
What would we do today if we heard that call of God?
Those times were similar to the darkness which prevailed at the time when God sent His Son to be born in a filthy stable in Bethlehem. A time we celebrate at Christmas again in less than two weeks. And this time instead of the voice of Isaiah, the people would hear the voice of God, through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Here’s a sobering thought to consider—the call of God out to Isaiah over 2700 years ago—is the same call of God today, on you and me.
The call, commission, and command of Christ to His disciples as He was about to ascend into Heaven, which He lived out after His birth and ministry among us over 2000 years ago, is the call, commission, and command to you and me today, to “go and make disciples…”
As we consider that, maybe we would decide it’s one we would rather ignore with seven billion people in the world to reach. Starting within our families, friends at the office, school, neighborhoods, teams, and beyond.
But maybe one life at a time, then another, then another, is the way ahead. And obedient. With each life being assured of an eternal home with God in Heaven.
Starting with our families, friends, coworkers, schoolmates and teachers, neighborhood friends, teammates, coaches, and beyond.
In the hymn, “Here I Am, Lord” God’s heart is clearly revealed calling us to join Him in the mission—
“I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin my hand will save.
I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?
Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart…”
President John F. Kennedy once shared this challenge for our Nation in dealing with whatever task, responsibility, mountain was before us, individually or together—
“If not us, who? If not now, when?”
What do you face personally?
What do we face as a Nation?
What has Christ called, commissioned, and commanded us to do, as He also called His disciples to do, which will assure an eternal home in Heaven, once this short life here on earth is done, for all those lives before us.
What better time to listen, and respond to the Lord’s call, with— “Here I am! Send me.”
If not you, then who?
If not me, then who?
If not now, then when?
In His Name–Scott
Be blessed as you watch the video and listen to John Michael Talbot sing “Here I am Lord.”
