Isaiah 6:1-8
1In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. 2Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke.
5And I said: “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” 6Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.” 8Then 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!”
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In today’s scripture we hear Isaiah’s call story. Isaiah is anointed as the coal touches his lips. His guilt and sin blotted out. Each of us through the waters of baptism have been anointed, named, claimed and called to witness to God’s love in the world. Promises were made at our Baptism to:
Live among God’s faithful people,
Hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper,
Proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,
Serve all people following the example of Jesus
Strive for justice and peace in all the world.
These are often referred to as the 5 gifts of Discipleship. God continues to call, often in a still small voice. Sometimes in our busy-ness, and our world’s cacophony, we miss God’s voice. Sometimes despite our efforts to share God’s love, the world is not ready or willing to hear the Good News of God’s abundant love. Even Isaiah’s message fell on deaf ears, (as you read on in this chapter). Living out our call does not promise ease or comfort rather our call is to be faithful, trust and lean on God who promises to walk with us throughout life. Ponder:
What is God calling you to in this chapter of your life?
When have you heard the voice of God?
What will be your first faithful step to listen and respond to God’s call?
May you listen deeply, watch carefully, open your mind and heart to live as a disciple of Christ Jesus. May you respond: “Here am I, send me.”
—Deacon Tammy Devine