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“Here am I! Send me!” Scott Kiefer - February 7, 2010 Isaiah 6:1-8 Earlier, during Children’s hour, we heard how Simon was humble before Jesus. “Go away from me Lord! I am a sinful man!” And Isaiah admits his human flaws when he says "Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." These two men, from different ages have a lot in common. Isaiah, from the old testament, was from a time when Judah and Jerusalem were in ruin due to the rebellious nature of God’s chosen people. Isaiah chapters 1-5 talk about the destitute nature of men ages ago, but much of what is described in those chapters sounds very familiar and close at hand. Times were hard, there didn’t seem to be much hope for God’s people. Simon, in the new testament hardly had a glorious life as a fisherman. I’ve fished a few times myself, and I’m pretty sure that this wasn’t the first day that Simon came in with damaged nets, and an empty boat. Simon and the other fishermen relied on their skill and luck as fishermen to keep them and their families fed, and for their livelihood. An empty boat likely meant an empty stomach. Men and women in situations such as Isaiah and Simon tend to become hardened, using words and means that seem warranted by the circumstances to guarantee survival and success. These men lived in times and conditions where nice guys truly did finish last. These were average men among their peers, neither better nor worse than the people surrounding them. And yet, they were chosen. There is no indication that either of these men were searching for a way to do the work of God. Neither of them volunteered. In fact Simon and Isaiah both felt frightened and unworthy to even think to be in the presence of God. Yet both followed God’s will. Neither man knew what the future held for them. Both men were constantly directed in their actions, Isaiah in the old testament, directly by God, and Simon, by Jesus. Neither man knew what the next day would bring, or what would be asked of them personally. They had committed themselves to follow what God put before them. They didn’t say to themselves, “This is what I will do for God today!” They placed themselves into the hands of God to be directed, and to learn to live the lives that God put before them in a way that others could see that they belonged to God. By committing themselves to Gods will, these men did not become quiet, passive followers, but were engaged with the other people of their time, challenging leadership of the times and the status quo, taught others what they had learned, and engaged in debate. It’s not likely that either man knew what each day would bring, but they lived each moment knowing that they had committed their lives to God. Putting technology aside, have our lives changed so much from either of the men in Scripture today? Civilizations lay in ruin in the around the globe. Today the Middle East and Caribbean, before that was Southeast Asia with the Tsunamis… Ordinary people struggle day-to-day to make a living and keep their families fed. What could it look like to integrate Gods work in our everyday life today? Responding to the needs of others is a good place to start. We as a church raised over a thousand dollars in one week for the disaster victims in Haiti. We fielded teams into the Normandy Drive area after the flood of 2008. The youth group has gone to South Dakota, and Louisiana on mission trips. Visiting folks in the hospital, other institution or recovering at home are also great examples of responding to need. Teaching others is an important part of the New testament’s example of showing your commitment to God. We have many people in our church family leading Sunday school classes for adults and children. We have also had several folks leading Bible study both in and out of our church building. Spending time with children, youth, and new church members is nurturing for everybody involved. Fellowship is also an important part of showing commitment to others in our Christian family. Jesus and the disciples fellowship time included teaching, eating, sharing opinions, and heated discussions. Fellowship in our home families, and our church family are still an important part in growing our understanding of ourselves and others. Joining a Bible study, staying after church for refreshments, or coming to a Church dinner, or having someone you don’t know too well over for dinner are all examples of fostering fellowship. One of the most difficult parts of commitment is challenging others. Jesus challenged his disciples, the Pharisees, individuals that he met through the days. Jesus’ disciples challenged the early churches. Many of us today, including myself, are uncomfortable challenging others. No one moves ahead in life’s journey without being challenged and addressing the challenge. Finding creative ways to present challenge to others can stimulate both parties. How do you discern whether or not you’re being called? It’s a hard question. Isaiah had God talking to him directly, and Simon had Jesus. We’ve been given the Holy Spirit. If you feel compelled to do something about an issue, it’s the Holy Spirit at work. Jill Sanders, our district consultant, once asked, “What is it that the people of Hope just “can’t not do?” Is it our music, our hospitality, our fellowship and our food that we “just can’t not do”? Or is it the flip houses, bazaars, or youth programs? If you “can’t not do” something it’s probably the Holy Spirit at work. We have lots of opportunities, lots of things we “should” do, but when you feel compelled, when you feel that tug, when you’re looking for a way, that’s the Holy Spirit at work. Have you felt the tug? Can you be an Isaiah, or a Simon? Can you “throw down your net, and drop everything” and live life among your peers being committed to God. Continually learning what that means for you personally? Teaching other how to let go? Debating and challenging the happenings in the everyday world. Let every day happenings be a mission to you, and let your every day actions be mission to others. Amen. |