Obedient to God's Call

Obedient to God's Call

Isa. 6:8

Having seen the adequacy of the grace of God to meet his own deep need, it was natural that the prophet should behold the world of sinful men around him. Therefore Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" The spontaneous reply was "Here am I; send me." This is the invariable response of a Spirit-filled Christian. There is always a readiness to fill the place God has for him. This strong impulse will need to be directed into service according to God's will. Then opportunity and capability will harmonize in complete fulfillment.

God made it clear to Isaiah that he was to perform his duty faithfully regardless of whether his message was received or rejected. Faithful performance does not imply that there will be universal acceptance. Even Jesus "came unto his own, and his own received him not" (John 1:11).

Isaiah, like many given a crushing burden, said, "Lord, how long?" The reply was, in substance, as long as there is anyone to whom to preach. Even total rejection did not bring release from the divine commission. There is no point at which a soldier of the Cross can surrender.

Nevertheless God did not leave Isaiah. He promised the return and restoration of a remnant. God will always have a people. Your labor is not in vain in the Lord.