Isaiah 6:8

God did not directly summon Isaiah; rather, Isaiah perceived God asking, “Who will go for us?” The divine summons is not exclusive to a select few; it is intended for all individuals. My ability to perceive God's call is contingent upon the condition of my ears, and the nature of what I hear is influenced by my disposition. “Many are summoned, but few are selected,” meaning that only a limited number demonstrate their worthiness as the chosen.

The selected individuals are those who have established a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, resulting in a transformation of their disposition and the unblocking of their ears, enabling them to perceive the persistent, subtle voice inquiring, “Who will go for us?” It is not a matter of God selecting an individual and instructing, “Now, you proceed.” God did not impose tremendous coercion on Isaiah; rather, Isaiah was in God's presence and saw the call.

He saw that he had nothing further to articulate and, in a state of conscious liberty, declared, “Here am I, send me.”

Eliminate the notion of anticipating God to arrive with coercion and entreaties. When our Lord summoned His disciples, there was no external coercion. The subdued yet fervent urgency of His "Follow Me" was directed towards men fully alert to their capabilities. If we allow the Spirit of God to confront us with the Divine, we will similarly perceive a voice reminiscent of Isaiah's, the quiet whisper of God; and in complete liberty, we will declare, “Here am I; send me.”

Isaiah 6:8 articulates: **“Then I perceived the voice of the Lord inquiring, ‘Whom shall I dispatch? Who shall represent us? And I proclaimed, 'Here I am.' “Dispatch me!”** (New International Version)

This verse signifies a crucial juncture in Isaiah's prophetic vocation. Here are essential points to consider:

1. **The Divine Summons** - **Celestial Initiative**: The Lord proactively seeks a someone to accomplish His task ("Whom shall I send?").

- **Divine Mission and Intent**: God is perpetually active, seeking to fulfill His objectives through human involvement. The inquiry highlights God's desire for an individual to engage in His endeavors.

2. **The summons to Respond** - **A Personal Invitation**: God's summons is specific and intimate, soliciting a response from each individual. It is not only a directive, but an inquiry that entails a decision.

- **The Urgent Appeal**: The inquiry prompts us to evaluate our preparedness to respond to God's summons and to participate effectively in His objectives. This is an opportunity to contemplate our readiness to engage in God's work.

3. **Isaiah’s Readiness and Compliance** - **Prompt Reaction**: Isaiah's reply, “Here am I.” "Send me!" exemplifies the urgency of his readiness and dedication. He does not waver or offer justifications; he is prepared to act at the Lord's will.

- **Personal Surrender**: Isaiah’s readiness demonstrates a heart entirely devoted to God. His reply exemplifies the epitome of total commitment to God's will.

4. **A Selfless Offering** - **Absence of Personal Gain**: Isaiah does not pursue the position for self-aggrandizement or personal advantage. His response exemplifies selflessness, opting to serve the Lord irrespective of his own desires or comfort.

- **Readiness to Serve**: The expression “Send me” signifies a willingness to follow God's guidance unconditionally.

5. **The Essence of Divine Mission** - **God’s Triune Essence**: The allusion to "us" in God's inquiry ("Who will go for us?") implies the plural essence of God, alluding to the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). It encourages our participation in the sacred endeavors undertaken by all members of the Godhead.

- **Global Appeal**: The inquiry is directed not solely at an individual but to all potential listeners, signifying a universal invitation to engage in God's restorative endeavors.

6. **A Moment of Divine Invitation and Human Willingness** - **God’s Invitation is Unrestricted**: This verse exemplifies the continual essence of God's invitation. He inquires, “Whom shall I send?” suggesting that numerous individuals have the opportunity to engage in His mission.

- **The Decision to Respond**: It underscores the significance of the human choice to answer God's invitation. Divine service necessitates a voluntary spirit; it is not imposed upon anyone.

7. **The Importance of Calling** - **God Addresses Individuals by Name**: Although Isaiah's response is particular in this passage, the call is inherently personal. Every individual is summoned to respond to God in a distinctive manner.

- **Mission Preparation**: Isaiah's response does not imply that he is fully equipped with knowledge or wisdom to proceed immediately. It is a readiness to advance, and the specifics of the assignment will emerge as he complies.

8. **The Function of Prophecy** - **Prophetic Commissioning**: Within the framework of Isaiah’s vocation, this verse constitutes his prophetic commissioning. This signifies the commencement of his mission to articulate God's message to the people of Israel.

- **Sacrificial Obedience**: Isaiah's summons encompasses a challenging and exacting message directed at an obstinate and unrepentant populace. His readiness to proceed demonstrates his dedication, especially in the face of challenging tasks.

9. **The Power of a Willing Heart** - **Readiness to Serve**: God seeks individuals possessing a heart that is willing, modest, and obedient, akin to Isaiah. God does not summon the prepared, but prepares the summoned.

- **Long-term Commitment**: The readiness to say “Send me” represents not merely a singular action but a continual disposition of service and adherence to God’s purpose.

Isaiah 6:8 represents a significant instance of heavenly summons and individual capitulation. It emphasizes the significance of answering God’s call with preparedness, altruism, and compliance, irrespective of the consequences. It serves as a reminder that God is actively seeking laborers for His mission and urges each individual to respond with a willing spirit.

#Ministry #jesus #bible #worship #faith #hope #love #church #prayer #gospel #christian #family #motivation #inspiration #holyspirit #power #christ #jesuschrist #purpose #godisgood #inspire #instagood #outreach #evangelism #bibleverse #encouragement #dailyinspiration