March 3, 2007

Read Isaiah 6:1-13

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!" (v. 8) SEND ME! I recently started substitute teaching, and I was surprised at how readily children raise their hands to volunteer. Of course, it’s not always for innocent reasons, but I’m amazed just the same. Unfortunately, once students reach high school, they, like adults, aren’t quite so eager to volunteer. Something happens between the years of innocence and the years of cynicism, the years of childhood faith and trust and the years of adult faith and objectivity. As we go through life, we may experience trials and moments when we don’t think we can go on – moments when we are beaten down and we start questioning our worth. Even at church, we hesitate to volunteer. Sometimes it may be because we don’t think we have the time, gifts or skills for the ministry opportunity that calls. But many times, it’s because we feel less than worthy. Today Isaiah reminds us that, by ourselves, we are not worthy. We are not worthy to stand before the thrice-holy God, let alone speak or act for him, because we are sinful people. But after the seraph touches Isaiah’s lips with the live coal, he is cleansed. And when the Lord asks, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Isaiah answers, "Here am I; send me!" Like Isaiah, our lives are touched – touched by the waters of baptism. We are given the gift of grace by God through our Savior’s death, and we are claimed and cleansed. We are made worthy. Through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to speak for God – to be the lips and hands of God for others. It’s a power given by God to you and me so that, like Isaiah, when we hear God’s call, we can respond just as resoundingly, "Here am I, send me!" Gracious God, we pray for those who experience doubt, despair or unworthiness. Fill them with your gracious love. In Jesus’ name. Caroline Lohmann

---

[Yesterday |Lenten Index | Tomorrow]