Introduction
As believers, we are often called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the Gospel and serving as His hands and feet in the world. One of the most profound examples of this calling can be found in the Old Testament, in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 6:8, the prophet Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Isaiah’s response is both immediate and humble: “Here am I! Send me.”
This simple yet profound declaration has become a cornerstone for many believers, as it beautifully illustrates the heart of a willing servant, ready to answer God’s call. But what does this passage truly mean? What was happening in the life of Isaiah, and what can we learn from his response to God’s question? In this blog post, we will explore the context of Isaiah 6, examine the meaning behind Isaiah’s response, and consider the implications for our own lives as we seek to follow Christ and share His message.
The Context of Isaiah’s Calling
To better understand the meaning behind Isaiah’s response, it is important to look at the context in which it takes place. Isaiah 6 opens with the death of King Uzziah, a significant event in the history of Judah. The first five chapters of the book of Isaiah detail the moral and spiritual decline of the nation, with a focus on their rebellion against God and their disregard for His commandments.
In this context, Isaiah has a vision of the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, surrounded by seraphim who cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isaiah 6:3, NKJV). This powerful scene underscores the majesty and holiness of God, in stark contrast to the sinfulness of the people.
Isaiah’s Encounter with the Holy
As Isaiah stands before the Lord, he becomes acutely aware of his own sinfulness and unworthiness. He cries out, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5, NKJV). In recognizing his own sin, Isaiah also acknowledges the sinfulness of his people.
In response to Isaiah’s confession, one of the seraphim takes a live coal from the altar and touches Isaiah’s lips, symbolically cleansing him from his sin. The seraphim then declares, “Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged” (Isaiah 6:7, NKJV). This act of purification demonstrates God’s grace and forgiveness, making Isaiah a vessel fit for the Lord’s work.
The Call and the Response
After Isaiah is cleansed from his sin, he hears the voice of the Lord asking, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” (Isaiah 6:8, NKJV). This question underscores the need for a messenger who can share God’s message with the people of Judah, calling them to repentance and a renewed commitment to the Lord.
Isaiah’s response, “Here am I! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8, NKJV), is a heartfelt expression of his willingness to be used by God. This humble and willing spirit is central to Isaiah’s calling and serves as a powerful example for believers today.
The Mission and its Implications
The mission that God entrusts to Isaiah is not an easy one. God tells Isaiah that he will be sent to a people who are stubborn, unwilling to listen, and spiritually blind. The Lord explains, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and return and be healed” (Isaiah 6:9-10, NKJV). This challenging message emphasizes that Isaiah’s ministry will be met with resistance and difficulty.
Despite the seemingly discouraging nature of this mission, Isaiah remains faithful to the call. His obedience demonstrates the importance of trusting in God’s plan, even when the outcome appears bleak or uncertain. Throughout his ministry, Isaiah would face rejection, persecution, and personal suffering. However, his steadfast faith and commitment to the Lord’s work would ultimately leave a lasting impact, inspiring generations of believers to come.
Lessons for Believers Today
Isaiah’s encounter with the Lord and his willing response to God’s call offer valuable insights for believers today. First, Isaiah’s recognition of his own sinfulness and his subsequent cleansing remind us of the importance of confession and repentance in our own lives. As we acknowledge our sins and seek God’s forgiveness, we become better equipped to serve as His ambassadors.
Second, Isaiah’s willingness to answer God’s call, even in the face of difficulty, serves as a powerful example of obedience and trust. As believers, we are often called to step out of our comfort zones and share God’s message with others. Isaiah’s story encourages us to respond with a willing heart, trusting that God will guide and sustain us in our efforts.
Finally, Isaiah’s ministry teaches us that our faithfulness to God’s call is not always met with immediate success or visible results. We may face resistance or rejection as we share the Gospel, but we must remain steadfast in our mission, trusting in God’s sovereignty and plan.
Conclusion
Isaiah’s response to the Lord’s call, “Here am I! Send me,” has resonated with believers for centuries. His story demonstrates the importance of recognizing our own sinfulness, trusting in God’s grace and forgiveness, and responding with a willing and obedient heart to the call placed upon our lives.
As we reflect on the life and ministry of Isaiah, let us be inspired to answer the Lord’s call in our own lives with the same humility and willingness. May we, like Isaiah, become ambassadors for Christ, boldly proclaiming His message of hope and redemption to a world in need.
In the words of the Apostle Paul, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20, NKJV). May we take up this mantle, knowing that our faithfulness to God’s call can leave a lasting impact for generations to come.
