Who Will Go?

O. T. #1574  "Who Will Go?
Nov. 27, 2019
Isaiah 6-Part 5
Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar. And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.  (verses 6-7)

LET IT GLOW

Isn't it comforting to know that we were once a condemned sinner and now we are forgiven? Now, what must God do to us before we are willing to join Him on mission in Kingdom work?

It happened the year King Uzziah died and the throne of Judah was empty. Isaiah went to the Temple to pray, turning to God for help and comfort. It was in his hour of great burden that God gave him a vision. As Isaiah looked up, he saw King Jesus, the LORD of Hosts, sitting upon His throne of intercessory in heaven. Then Isaiah looked inward, seeing his sinful heart and unclean lips, confessing his sins.

What occurred next? Our key verses explain:

• An angel, seraphim, flew to the burnt offering and obtained a live coal with tongs from it. This was the place of blood sacrifice, where an undefiled and perfect animal was burnt in payment  for the owner's sins. A burnt offering, 'olah, signifies to ascend or cause to go up. This animal was burned up in complete devotion to God.
• The coal, a hot stone, which was taken from the blood altar, could be used as the means of cleansing.
• This imagery of Isaiah's, is figurative since the burning coal would have literally burned his mouth. It symbolizes the application of the cleansing of God on the basis of the shedding of blood on the altar of sacrifice.
• God offered a means of consecration to Isaiah, who gladly accepted the cleansing coal.
• Thus, Isaiah's sin, which means an offence (sometimes habitual); sinfulness; was purged, is to cover; to cancel; make atonement; forgive. [Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

What an experience for Isaiah. Why was this necessary? God's cleansing of Isaiah's personal sin equipped him for service to the Lord. He was to speak the words that God told him to say, as a prophet to Judah, warning them what would come if they did not repent of their sins and worship God instead of idols.

How does this apply to us? Hebrews 9 speaks of animals offered for sin provided sanctification, then Christ being our High Priest, How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the Living God.

How about you dear one, are your sins forgiven? Have you believed that Jesus made the required sacrifice for your sins? Do we have family members that are not saved? Will we take a minute this Thanksgiving to be thankful for our salvation provided by Jesus? Such sweet grace and mercy!
Will you go for Jesus and God to share Their redemptive message?

LET IT GROW

After Isaiah's sins were purged, forgiven, what happened next?
Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? (verse 8a)

Jesus (Adonai)spoke, asking whom He should send and who would go for us, God the Father and Jesus the Son. The question was asked in order to give Isaiah a choice to be Their messenger and prophet, sent with a purpose, and a message to Judah.

What was Isaiah's response? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
His was an immediate response of courage and faith.

None are allowed to go for God but those who are sent by Him; He will; own none but those whom He appoints, Romans 10:14-15, How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

(Let me say, I am not a preacher, for I believe women are not called to preach. I am a teacher of God's Word, sent to teach children and women. My husband is a preacher. There is a difference, but both are commissioned from God for His purpose.)

Friend, we Christians are all called to share the gospel with others. It may be in the form of a testimony or through good works, meeting needs of others.
Are we, like Isaiah, willing to go and share the good news? Jesus is the Good News-He saves.

LET IT GO

Use me, Jesus, to teach the truth of Your Word.
Use me, Jesus, to share the glad tidings with others-our sins can be forgiven.
Use me, Jesus, to share the gospel of peace.