Isaiah – “Send me.”

Isaiah 6:8-10 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!” 9 He said, “Go and tell this people: “‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’” 10 Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”
 
ONE of the Bible’s great confessions of faith and obedience is in the phrase, “Here I am. Send me.” Samuel (1 Samuel) said it and spoke God’s message into a nation long without the Lord’s voice.  The apostles heard Christ’s command, “Make disciples.” and joyfully, diligently ministered the good news. The apostle Paul in his great re-birth eagerly, humbly and passionately obeyed Jesus’ command, “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:6). All chosen prophets and apostles answered, “Here am I.” to the Holy Trinity’s commanding inquiry, “Who will go for us?”
    But what happens when God’s message was spoken? The Lord told Isaiah, and we all know today that some believe some do not. The same words from God’s throne will soften some hearts and harden others. Adonai – the Sovereign Lord – has chosen, and he declares his will to the messenger and receivers. That is why he tells Isaiah some will hear with their hears but not believe in their hearts.  
    This specific message did not end with Isaiah. These same words are written seven times in the New Testament. Each gospel records Jesus, the Living Word, teaching this to his apostles as he said it to Isaiah. Quoting the scripture, Paul and others also spoke these words to the Jews, who refused to believe. The apostles needed to know their Good News would be counted as bad news among many. This would always remind them it is the gift of faith, not the excellence of the preaching, teaching and telling that transforms us to believe God’s Word. God’s Spirit quickens those dead in sin to become alive in Christ Jesus through the gospel. All the prophets, apostles, disciples, ministers, evangelists and each Christian must know God saves us to send us. God’s salvation desire is completed when the message is proclaimed and God awakens the soul.
    Be encouraged. Salvation is not about how well you speak the gospel. Your role is tell. God’s role is to save. Salvation is unto the LORD. Open your love of God to serve God, always ready to declare, “Here am I. Send me.”
 
Isaiah 51:5 My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm.