Send Me

By Denise Trio

“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!’”—Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

Only a few years ago, we didn’t have the ability to text people. We’d pick up the phone and call them. If someone we knew called us, we instantly recognized them by their voice. In this passage of Scripture, Isaiah received a call, but it wasn’t on the phone. He was called by God.

Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord. I've always wondered what God's voice sounds like. Is it deep? Is it gentle? We won't be certain until we get to heaven, but we can be sure that, just like the voices of our loved ones, the voice of the Lord is identifiable.

The Lord asks Isaiah two questions. In the first question He uses “I,” and in the second He uses “us.” It seems contradictory to use both singular and plural pronouns to refer to Himself, but this is the language of the Trinity. It's the mystery that God is one being existing in three persons—the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

What's also interesting is that God isn't commanding Isaiah to go or to be sent. The questions He asks seek a volunteer. And since God is all powerful, why does He need someone to be sent for Him? He is so mighty, He could do it Himself! We know that God is at work, and we learn here that He invites His people to partner with Him in that work.

Isaiah emphatically responds to God’s invitation: “Send me!”

I want to point out that prior to this verse, Isaiah had encountered God. He experienced God’s holiness, and he honored Him. Isaiah knew God. So, when God called and sent Isaiah, Isaiah responded quickly in surrender. As a result, Isaiah’s prophecies impacted the entire nation of Israel. His words were spoken for people in antiquity and written down for us today. Best of all, so many of those words point to Jesus.

The character, nature, and work of God have not changed. He is mighty. He is at work. He speaks to us. He sends us. He gives us His Holy Spirit to guide us. He doesn’t force or beg us. The supreme, all-powerful God of the universe invites us to partner with Him in the redemptive work He is doing on Earth. What an invitation!

We can respond the same way Isaiah did! Since we know and trust the character and nature of God, when He calls us, our first reaction should be to volunteer. We are made for missions! Our best ability is our availability. If we are willing to be sent, God can use us in incredible ways to point others to the risen Jesus. Just like Isaiah, we can partner with Him as He sends us as ambassadors to reach our community and change our world. Watch for how the Holy Spirit wants to use you!

Pause: How has God spoken to you about missions? What is your response to His call?

Practice: God is speaking and working around you all of the time. Take time to meditate on today’s verse. Imagine what God’s voice is like. Reflect on His character of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Examine areas in your life where the Lord has protected you, provided for you, or comforted you. Thank Him for His work in your life. Be still and listen to what He might be saying to you.

Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me about who You are. Thank You for this deeper understanding of how You work. Thank You for inviting me to partner with You as You are at work in my life and in the lives of others around me. Even when I am afraid, unsure, or tired, I choose to obey and want to join You! Here am I, Lord. Send me. Amen.