Isaiah 6:1-8
What an awesome sight!
Out of the blue, Isaiah witnessed an awesome sight. He saw God, who was seated on a throne. Angels with six wings hovered near … with two wings covering their faces, two wings covering their feet and two wings with which to fly. These angels were singing:
“Holy, holy, holy is God!”
The walls shook and Isaiah’s knees trembled. It was marvelous! It was wonderful!
Making An Offer!
One of these angels, armed with a hot coal, flew to Isaiah and touched his mouth with a glowing ember, but it did not burn. The coal cleansed Isaiah’s lips and eradicated his fear.
“‘Who should I send to be a prophet for me?’ God asked Isaiah.”
Now let’s consider that scenario for a moment. God is there, the angels are there, and Isaiah is there. It does not appear that there are any other human beings in that place. If the angel had not touched Isaiah’s mouth, he might still have been there looking at the ground to avoid eye contact with God, shuffling his feet and swaying … waiting for someone else to volunteer. Since Isaiah is the only human being, it seems that God is making him an offer he cannot refuse.
Now there was something new on his [Isaiah’s] lips. Not a hot coal, but brave new words. Isaiah heard his own voice say,
“Send me!”
An Eager Volunteer!
We have all been there when the offer is made! We avoid eye contact. We shuffle our feet. We look at the floor or ground. We whisper that little prayer: “Oh, God! Let someone else raise their hand. Let another person volunteer.” Isaiah responds so joyfully that the response “Send me,” astounds us and we just know God is pleased that Isaiah accepts the offer without any threats or arm twisting. Isaiah wants to be a prophet for God.
O God, many times we have been much less than eager volunteers. Forgive our reluctance to accept opportunities to be of service. Help us to accept leadership roles, knowing that You do not call us to tasks without equipping us. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.