Introduction:
Hello, everyone. Different cultures have unique ways of answering the phone, reflecting their values and traditions. For instance:
Graham Bell’s invention is greeted with a simple “Ahoy” in English.
Russians respond, “I’m listening.”
The French ask, “Who is on the phone?”
Italians say, “Ready!”
The Spanish say, “Speak!” or “Hable!”
Germans often answer with their last name.
The Portuguese say, “I’m here.”
For Filipinos, it’s, “Anong kailangan mo?” (What do you need?)
Key Text: Isaiah 6:8
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’”
Let us pray.
Personal Journey: Ask me for a my story
Jonah’s Response
Initial Refusal: Jonah was commanded by God to go to Nineveh: “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” (Jonah 1:2-3). Jonah chose to flee to Tarshish instead.
Moses’ Response
Reluctance: God called Moses from the burning bush to free the Israelites: “Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:10). Moses hesitated and said, “My Lord, please send someone else.” (Exodus 4:13)
Isaiah’s Willingness
Ready to Serve: Isaiah responded with openness: “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’” (Isaiah 6:8)
Understanding God’s Call:
Seeing the Majesty of God
Isaiah’s Vision: Isaiah saw God’s grandeur: “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.” (Isaiah 6:1). This vision reassured him of God’s sovereignty and control.
God’s Presence and Glory
Fullness of God: The train of God’s robe filled the temple, symbolizing His omnipresence and glory.
The Holiness of God
Angelic Praise:The seraphim sang, *“Ho“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isaiah 6:3). This emphasizes God’s absolute purity and the reverence He commands.
The Power of God
Divine Power: The temple shook, illustrating God’s omnipotent power, akin to an erupting volcano.
True Worship and Self-Examination
Isaiah’s Humility: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips...” (Isaiah 6:5). True worship leads to self-examination and recognition of our own sinfulness.
Experiencing God’s Grace:
Isaiah’s Forgiveness
Divine Grace: “Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: ‘Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.’” (Isaiah 6:6-7)
Readiness to Serve
Isaiah’s Response: Following his cleansing, Isaiah was ready to serve: “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8). This response shows a heart ready to live out God’s call.
Conclusion:
Twofold Blessings and Surrender
Serving God: Responding to God’s call brings blessings and requires surrendering our own plans for His purpose. Paul’s testimony reflects this: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Final Appeal: Let us respond with the same willingness as Isaiah: “Here I am, Lord. Send me.”
