The Calling Of A Candidate

The calling of a pastor is one of the most exciting experiences in the life of a church. It can also be one of the most anxious and trying too! This is reflected in a church newsletter article originally used by the “NEWS” in March 1957 entitled:

“The Problem of Picking a Pastor.”

If he is young, he lacks experience; if his hair is grey, he is too old; if he has five or six children, he has too many; if he has none, he is setting a bad example.

If his wife sings in the choir, she is forward; if she does not, she is not interested in her husband’s work.

If he speaks from notes, he has canned sermons and is dry; if he is extemporaneous, he is not deep.

If he suggests improvements for the Church, he is a dictator; if he makes no suggestions he is a figurehead.

If he uses too many illustrations, he neglects the Bible; if not enough, he is not clear.

If he preaches an hour, he is windy; if less he is lazy.

If he preaches the truth, he is offensive; if not he is a hypocrite.

If he preaches all the time, the people get tired of hearing one man; if he invites guest preachers, he is shirking responsibility.

So what! They say the Preacher has an easy time.

The text we look to today was the record of the prophet Isaiah’s call experience. It came in a memorable year, 740 B.C., the year the grand ole king Uzziah died. Isaiah had lived his life in the court of the King of Jerusalem and while meditating one morning had a vision and heard the call of God as a young aristocrat of twenty years of age. In his calling God has something to say to us about “The Calling of A Candidate.”

What are you looking for in a Pastor? I realize everyone has their own personal expectations and that’s important. However, I also know there are some things God wants to see, sense and seek as the Pastor Search Committee presents Bruce Willis as a candidate for Senior Pastor of this church. First of all:

I. God Wants Us to SEE the Candidate’s Lord vv.1-4

A. Isaiah saw the Lord.

He was accustomed to seeing the king as he ministered in the midst of the court. But in the year the great and godly King Uzziah died, Isaiah also saw the Lord, Adoni on a throne, robed in splendor, holiness and glory. He saw the Lord in His Sovereignty v.1 ruling, reigning, in power, with authority, in complete control. He saw the Lord in His Majesty v.2 high and exalted, so all could see, majestic in presence. He saw the Lord in His Holiness v.3 heavy, different from, other than, awesome, and they cried holy, holy, holy!

B. I want you to see the Lord.

I may be here in view of your calling, but my desire is for your to see the Lord. We’re here to worship Him, to see Him high and lifted up, to experience His manifest presence. More than anything else, as your pastor I will seek to point you to Him. I desire for you to see Him, experience Him and hear Him speak to you in such a way that you know it is Him and you will obey Him. Paul expressed my desire in I Corinthians 2:1-5 . . . Ask yourself this morning, “Can this man help me see the Lord?”

II. God Wants Us to SENSE the Candidate’s Humanity vv.5-7

A. Isaiah sensed his own humanity v.5

To see the Lord is to sense just how far short we fall. “Woe” was Isaiah’s word of warning to himself. For a Hebrew to see God was to die. They feared to die at mount Horeb when God spoke. Moses hid his face at the burning bush. Peter said, “go away from me for I am a sinful man.” Isaiah said, “I am undone, ruined.” To see the Lord is to be left with a humble sense of our humanity.”

B. I want you to sense my humanity

I am a human being, not God. I have short coming and will face pit falls. I have human limitations. I have strengths and I have weaknesses. I have a pointed nose and am short in statue. God designed me this way and I accept me. I will probably be the most transparent and human pastor you have ever had. I am a real person. My feet are made of clay. I am open, honest, transparent and approachable. I believe it’s important to come to times of brokenness and weeping as Isaiah did in vv. 6-7. Therefore, I believe that God can touch your life through mine and use us all for His glory. Today, you must ask yourself, “Can I accept this man’s humanity?”