Scripture Spotlight: Isaiah 6
The sixth chapter of Isaiah records a beautiful encounter between the prophet and his God. In the preceding chapter, Isaiah had pronounced judgment on Israel for their sin, but in chapter 6, confronted by God’s glory, he is humbled at his own sinfulness. When the Seraph takes a coal from the altar and touches Isaiah’s mouth, his sin is atoned for. Interestingly, the angel needs tongs to take the burning, searing coal from the fire, but places it straight to Isaiah’s vulnerable mouth. How painful, yet how complete is God’s correction and forgiveness!
Afterward, God calls: “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah rises to the challenge: “Here am I! Send me!” It is striking that Isaiah did not ask first, “Where are you sending me? How much will it cost? What will I do there?” He did not place limits or conditions on his service. He was willing, available, and completely devoted to the cause of glorifying God. He did ask, “How long?" The answer couldn't have been encouraging: "Until the land is destroyed and the people scattered." God even told him, frankly, "The people won't listen. They won't appreciate your message. But they need to hear it. And, I promise you, there will be a remnant. Some will believe and be saved.” It would be a hard, lonely mission, at times futile – but God guaranteed the results from the start.
How does that relate to we who are born into positions of privilege, who believe in Christ and are commissioned to take His message to the ends of the earth? In Restricted Access areas, visible progress is slow, situations constantly change, and details are sketchy. Recruiting volunteers is a hard sell in this ministry!
At MMR, we need some “Isaiah” volunteers!
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Disregard convenience & comfort;
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Reach out to the unloveable and unresponsive;
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Persevere despite the lack of obvious fruit;
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Be flexible, and submit to God’s sovereign plan;
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Trust God for the unknowns.
We’re praying for the story of Isaiah to touch the hearts of our volunteers as they seek to serve!