I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. (Isaiah 6:1)
In our spiritual journeys, we often find ourselves comfortably settled in our faith, content with our routines and familiar practices. But what if God is calling us to experience more? What if He's inviting us to move from a place of passive sitting to active sending?
This powerful message challenges us to examine our spiritual lives and ask ourselves a crucial question: Are we truly seeing God, or have we allowed distractions to block our view?
The story of Isaiah provides a compelling illustration of this transformation. In Isaiah chapter 6, we encounter a pivotal moment in the prophet's life. It begins with the death of King Uzziah, symbolizing the removal of a hindrance that had been blocking Isaiah's view of God. This removal allowed Isaiah to have a profound encounter with the divine:
"I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple." (Isaiah 6:1)
This vision of God's holiness and majesty had an immediate impact on Isaiah. He became acutely aware of his own sinfulness and the sinfulness of his people. But God, in His mercy, didn't leave Isaiah in this state of conviction. Instead, He provided cleansing and restoration:
"Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, 'See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.'" (Isaiah 6:6-7)
This divine touch transformed Isaiah, preparing him for a greater purpose. When God asked, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" Isaiah responded without hesitation: "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8)
This narrative challenges us to consider what might be blocking our own view of God. Have we become so accustomed to our religious routines that we've lost sight of the living, active presence of God in our lives? Are we content with sitting in our comfort zones, or are we ready to be sent out in faith?
The message reminds us that truly seeing God often requires faith. Hebrews 11:6 tells us, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Yet, sadly, many of us don't exercise this faith until we're faced with fear or frailty. It's in our moments of weakness and desperation that we often experience the most profound encounters with God.
But what if we didn't wait for crisis to seek God? What if we actively pursued Him, allowing our faith to grow not out of fear, but out of a genuine desire to know Him more deeply?
As we reflect on this, we're challenged to examine our own lives. Are we truly seeing God? Are we allowing Him to reveal not just who He is, but who we are in Him? The apostle Paul reminds us in Acts 17:28, "For in him we live and move and have our being." It's only when we truly see God that we can understand our true identity and purpose.
This message calls us to a new level of commitment and action in our faith. It's not enough to simply attend church, sing songs, and go through the motions of religious activity. God is calling us to something deeper – to a place where we're ready to be sent wherever He leads.
The invitation is clear: Will we go from sitting to sending? Will we allow God to touch us in our places of weakness and frailty, transforming them into sources of strength and faith? Will we, like Isaiah, respond to God's call with a willing heart, saying, "Here I am. Send me!"?
As we contemplate this call to action, we're reminded of Jesus' words to His disciples after His resurrection. In Matthew 28:18-20, He commissions them (and by extension, us) with these words:
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
This Great Commission is not just for a select few – it's for all who follow Christ. We are all called to go, to be sent, to make a difference in the world around us.
As we close, let's challenge ourselves with these questions:
1. What might be blocking my view of God? Am I allowing distractions or complacency to hinder my relationship with Him?
2. Am I content with sitting, or am I ready to be sent? What areas of my life need to be surrendered to God's leading?
3. How can I cultivate a faith that seeks God earnestly, not just in times of crisis, but in every moment?
4. In what ways is God calling me to move from being a spectator to an active participant in His kingdom work?
Remember, it's never too late to answer God's call. As long as we have breath, we have the opportunity to say, "Here I am, Lord. Send me." Let's not settle for a faith that merely sits. Instead, let's embrace the adventure of being sent by God, allowing Him to use us in ways we never imagined possible.
May we, like Isaiah, have our eyes opened to see God in His holiness and majesty. May we allow Him to touch our areas of weakness and transform them for His glory. And may we respond with wholehearted obedience when He calls us to go.
The world is waiting for those who are willing to be sent. Will you be one of them?