Is that the cry of your heart today to the Lord’s question? Jesus said the harvest is white (ready) but the reapers are few. God is looking for reapers of His harvest. We’re not all called to the pulpit or to be teachers on the big stage, but we’re all called. We’re called to be Christ’s ambassadors. When you signed up to be a member of God’s family, you were automatically given the prestigious title “ambassador for Christ.” The call to go for Us was heard by one attentive worshiper in the Lord’s temple. He didn’t hesitate when he heard the question. He had no details or idea of the cost of saying yes. But when God radically changes your life, your only response is. “Here I am! Send me!
After the death of Uzziah, who was known as one of the good kings of Judah, who later allowed pride near the end of his reign to sideline him, see 2 Chronicles 26, Isaiah was in the right place at the right time. He was in God’s house, it isn’t clear why he was there, but he had a supernatural encounter with the Lord. This is no coincidence of course, because God has set appointments with all of us. Not only was he in the right place at the right time, but he heard a question being asked by the Trinity and without giving a thought to the magnitude of the responsibility, and still reeling from the majesty of the Lord Christ Jesus, He volunteered for a life changing assignment. The sixty-six chapters that comprises the call and assignment of Isaiah is without question one of the most amazing books ever written. And is my personal favorite of all the books.
I’m a little partial since most of the promises the Lord has spoken to me since my introduction to Isaiah’s writings in 1979, have come from this book.
My calling to teach came from Isaiah 51:16. I’ll share briefly. When I was approached to teach Bible study in my church, like Moses and Jeremiah I protested with excuses. “I have no skill or training, I’ve never gone to Bible school, I wouldn’t know what to say, what to do.“ I was scared. I tried everything. But the only thing I had going for me was my love and devotion to the Lord and His Word. That next morning after being asked I had a dream. In the dream as I knelt to pray my Bible opened to the book and chapter I mentioned. I woke up and had my quiet time but completely forgot about the dream. As I was preparing for work the Holy Spirit said “I have given you a Word” I responded, “I have forgotten what it is, so you’ll have to remind me.” I opened my Bible and it was right there as though I had bookmarked it. That confirmation changed my life and you are now recipients of the call and my “ here am I, send me!” moment.
God qualifies the ones He calls. I recall after a few years into teaching having the thought that maybe I should enroll in Bible school. I’m thinking, He answers my thoughts.“seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?”
Numbers 16:9 KJV He literally said that His calling was enough. And I have been relying on Him since 1990 and He has been faithful to supply all I need to teach His Word. This is why I end the messages the way I do, and refuse to let the praise of men get into my heart. I said I’ll go, He does the rest.
Are you satisfied with the status quo of your salvation? Are you alright with just attending services once or twice a week, having your own personal experience with Jesus and keeping it private? See morning messages “It’s Personal, but It Ain’t Private.” June 8, 2020. We have been called to serve a purpose greater than ourselves. If you’re the only person who knows you’re saved, you’re in the wrong family. God’s children are called to stand out. Our Leader answered the call to be our substitunatory Lamb. Paying the greater price for service to His Father’s redemption call. No matter what it may cost us, and Isaiah found out that it wasn’t a bed of roses, it will never measure up to what it costs the Lord.
We can no longer ignore the call to serve. We cannot be silent when we hear His question. Isaiah received all He needed. He was forgiven and cleansed in an instant. Why? Because of the urgency of the call. We are in a critical stage for our world right now. We haven’t got years to prepare to do His work. All He needs are willing vessels He will provide and supply everything necessary to take His message to the world. We spend years in Bible school and come out still needing to be trained. Why? Because education doesn’t equal anointing. Knowledge without Godly wisdom is useless. The Holy Spirit is who Jesus said would fill us, empower us, teach us and remind us of all we need to know. Am I advocating for a renegade type of service? Of course not. God is the One who gives gifts to men who puts leaders in place to keep order. We are not saved simply to escape hell, but to be His hands, mouth, ears, feet and heart to the nations and our neighborhoods. What were Jesus’ parting words?
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I Am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 NLT
GO! For I am with you! The assignment and messages may be hard sometimes, but the command to go is still the same. We bring the message of the Good News-To correct, instruct, comfort, heal, deliver and set free. There’s more supply than suppliers. God by His Spirit is asking the same question of the body of Christ. Is there an Isaiah in attendance who will hear the question and answer the call? Is that you? Is that me? Don’t be a pew warmer any longer. Answer the call and go. Say what He’s put in your mouth. He will back you up. Isaiah’s first assignment was a hard one, but he did it. How do I know? We’re reading it. What will your first assignment be? Who’s your audience? Does it matter? Just be available to hear the question, and be ready to answer.
“And He said, “Yes, go, and say to this people, ‘Listen carefully, but do not understand. Watch closely, but learn nothing.’ Harden the hearts of these people. Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to Me for healing.” Then I said, “Lord, how long will this go on?” And He replied, “Until their towns are empty, their houses are deserted, and the whole country is a wasteland; until the Lord has sent everyone away, and the entire land of Israel lies deserted. If even a tenth—a remnant—survive, it will be invaded again and burned. But as a terebinth or oak tree leaves a stump when it is cut down, so Israel’s stump will be a Holy Seed.”Isaiah 6:9-13 NLT
How’s that for a first assignment? Yours may be to share your faith with a friend or neighbor. To bring the message of hope and grace. It may be a message of encouragement and comfort or one of warning and rebuke. Whatever the call, answer it and He will equip you for it. He will never assign you something you cannot handle. He’s Father after all. He’ll never give steak to babies and milk to adults. Your assignment is suitable for where you are spiritually, but you’ll mature as you obey. So what will your answer be?
“Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 NLT
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant
September 16, 2021