Walking With Jesus (Ministry)Uzorak

The volunteers

Isaiah 6:8, Exodus 4:10-13, Jonah 1:1-3

One of the phenomena of the 2014 presidential election of the Republic of Indonesia was the large number of volunteers who supported the candidates. They voluntarily worked to garner people’s support. They came from various community groups but worked together in disseminating the vision, mission, and programs of the candidates. Without being paid, they were willing to do what they thought was good to make their candidates win.

In the text above, God also expects volunteers who are willing to be sent by Him. God asked a double question: "Whom shall I send?" and "Who will go for Me?" He wanted to send someone willing to go and deliver a message to His people. Of course, His second question was directed to Isaiah. Voluntarily, he replied, "Here I am, send me!"

Not all of God's messengers answered with as much enthusiasm as Isaiah. Moses protested for not being able to speak well and so on. He asked God to send someone else (Ex. 4:10-13). Jonah fled to another city instead of delivering a message of judgment to a city he considered the enemy (Jonah 1:1-3). Despite this attitude, Moses ended up serving God extraordinarily. After receiving a valuable lesson from God, Jonah finally did what God had commanded him to do.

God still expects volunteers to speak for Him. We may be like Isaiah that readily agreed, like Moses that chose to make excuses, or like Jonah that had to be beaten by God first. God needs volunteers to do His work. Even though we don't receive direct visions like them, we still have God's inspiration in the Bible. We know from the Bible that God wants us to preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). His good news is not only for animists in the middle of nowhere but also for our neighbors. Let us be God's volunteers who do not just enjoy the blessings of salvation only but also share them.

Reflection:

1. Have you volunteered for the Lord?

2. Are you a volunteer like Isaiah or Moses or are you a reluctant volunteer?

Practice: Try volunteering for God in His work.