Messengers part 2

I have been thinking about Isaiah, after doing a project on the calling of said prophet for my hebrew class. I love the narrative in chapter 6, where Isaiah sees the Lord and the seraphim in the temple, and exclaims, "I am ruined!". What a vivid picture, to be brought to utter shambles in the presence of God. The story goes on, Isaiah admits his guilt and has his mouth 'cleansed' as an angel takes a coal and touches his lips. Then God asks, "who will I send, and who will go for us?" Isaiah's response -- "Here I am, send me." From ruin to volunteer, from desolation to desire to go -- Isaiah is willing to go and carry news of both impending disaster and extreme joy to the nation of Israel.

As messengers in today's world, don't you think we find ourselves in the same boat? On one hand, I ponder how unworthy and un-wired up I am for this deal; I am impatient, I am anti-social at times, I think way more of myself than others. And yet, I am willing, deep down to my core, to do what I have to do to carry the message of hope forward -- getting up in front of people to speak, even though it is not my favorite thing to do. Giving up time with my family to study and learn to fulfill the calling on a deeper and better level. Willing to make a fool of myself, to air out my shortcomings, so that others might see His grace and glory on display in the life of yet another one who is ruined in His presence.

May you be found in ruin today, undone by the presence of our Maker. May you be the first to step forward and proclaim, "Here I am, send me."