"Here Am I: Answering the Call of Easter
Notes
Transcript
Theme A Vision and Commission for convention
Background of Isaiah,
Before Isaiah's call in Isaiah 6, the prophet provides historical context and describes the state of affairs in Judah during the reign of King Uzziah. Judah was in a period of prosperity, but also moral and spiritual decline. Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry during this time of political stability but spiritual corruption. He witnesses the people turning away from God, engaging in idolatry, and neglecting justice and righteousness.
Isaiah's call comes as a response to this deteriorating spiritual condition. In the year that King Uzziah dies, Isaiah has a vision of God seated on a throne in the temple, surrounded by seraphim. This vision not only reveals the holiness and glory of God but also Isaiah's own unworthiness in the presence of such holiness. It's in this context that Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord asking, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" Isaiah responds with humility and obedience, saying, "Here am I. Send me!"
Thus, Isaiah's call is set against the backdrop of a nation in need of repentance and renewal, and his ministry becomes a pivotal part of God's plan to bring about
Introduction:
"Resurrection Sunday! What a glorious day it is to celebrate the risen Christ! As we gather here today, let's dive into the Word of God and allow His truth to ignite our hearts and souls."
1. Encountering the Holiness of God:
Emphasize the significance of Isaiah's vision in the temple, highlighting the awe-inspirational moment when Isaiah encounters the holiness of God.
He could relate this to the awe and wonder of Easter when we reflect on the miracle of Christ's resurrection and the power of God's redemption.
2. The Call to Action
Drawing parallels between Isaiah's response to God's call and our own lives, challenge his congregation to consider their response to God's call amid Easter. He might urge them to reflect on how they can actively participate in spreading the message of resurrection hope and salvation to others.
3. Commissioned for Purpose
Emphasize the importance of recognizing that each person has a unique purpose and calling from God. Using Isaiah's willingness to be sent by God as an example, he might encourage his congregation to embrace their calling and step out in faith, trusting that God will equip them for the task.
4. Overcoming Fear and Doub:
Addressing common barriers to answering God's call, to the fear and doubt that can hold people back from fully embracing their purpose. He could offer words of encouragement and empowerment, reminding his congregation that God's presence and strength are with them every step of the way.
1.Encountering the Holiness of God:
Imagine with me, if you will, the scene in the temple described by the prophet Isaiah.
High and lifted, the Lord sits upon His throne, His glory filling the entire temple. Seraphim, with
wings outstretched, cries out, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His
glory.' The air is thick with the fragrance of incense, the room filled with the sound of angelic
beings crying out, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory' (Isaiah 6:1-3NIV).
As Isaiah beholds this awe-inspiring sight, he is overcome with a sense of his unworthiness.
Woe to me!' he cries. '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 (Isaiah 6:5).
Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, 'See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.'
Yet, even in the midst of his fear and trembling, Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord saying, '
Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' Without hesitation, Isaiah responds, '
Here am I. Send me!' (Isaiah 6:8).
This encounter with the holiness of God leaves Isaiah forever changed, his heart stirred with a newfound sense of purpose and mission
Can you feel the weight of His presence, the overwhelming sense of His holiness that permeates every inch of that sacred space?
Relating Isaiah's Experience to Easter:
Now, let's fast forward to that glorious morning of Easter.
Picture with me the scene at the tomb.
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. (Victory and Triumph) By sitting on the stone, the angel demonstrates that the obstacle of the sealed tomb has been overcome, and Jesus has risen victorious from the dead.
His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: (Matthew 28:1-10)
Just as Isaiah encountered the holiness of God in the temple, so too did Mary Magdalene, Peter, and the other disciples encounter the risen Christ in all His glory
The tomb, once sealed with sorrow and despair, now stands empty, a testament to the power and holiness of our risen Savior.
The stone is rolled away, and the tomb stands empty.
Can you imagine the astonishment, the sheer wonder that must have filled the hearts of those
who encountered the risen Christ? Death defeated; sin conquered—this is the power of God's redemption on full display.
This Easter morning is a reflection of Isaiah's experience in the temple—a moment when heaven touches earth, when the power and holiness of God are made manifest in the person of Jesus Christ.
As we celebrate this miraculous event, let us remember that we too stand in the presence of the risen Savior, clothed in His righteousness, and empowered by His Spirit (Romans 8:11)
"And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies(refers to our physical bodies that are subject to death.)because of his Spirit who lives in you." (Romans 8:11, NIV) This verse speaks to the promise of resurrection.
More than just a historical event; it's a personal encounter.
Just as Isaiah stood in awe before the holiness of God, so too are we invited to stand in awe before the empty tomb.
For in that moment, we are confronted with the reality of God's love and His power to transform lives.
Think about it: Isaiah, overwhelmed by his unworthiness, cried out, 'Woe to me! I am ruined!' Yet God's response was one of cleansing and commissioning. Similarly, Easter brings us face-to-face with our brokenness and our own need for redemption.
But thanks be to God, who in Christ offers us forgiveness, restoration, and a new purpose.
So today, in the light of Easter's dawn, I ask you: How will you respond? Will you, like Isaiah, surrender yourself to the call of God? Will you allow the wonder of Easter to transform your heart and propel you into a life of service and mission?
Beloved, let us embrace this Easter with hearts full of awe and gratitude. Let us proclaim with boldness and conviction, 'Here am I. Send me!' For in the resurrection of Christ, we find not only hope for ourselves but for the whole world. May this Easter be a time of renewal, restoration, and rejoicing in the power of God's redeeming love.
2. The Call to Action
As we stand on the threshold of Easter, let us take a moment to reflect on the profound implications of Isaiah's response to God's call. When Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' his immediate and unwavering response was, 'Here am I. Send me!'
This simple yet powerful declaration summarizes the essence of Easter.
Easter is a season of renewal redemption, and readiness to respond to God's call
Just as Isaiah was willing to offer himself wholeheartedly to God's service, so too are we called to respond with the same fervor and commitment.
Easter is not merely a time for passive observance or religious tradition.
it is a call to action
—a call to embrace our role as ambassadors of Christ and heralds of His resurrection.
reminder that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead now resides within us,
empowering us to fulfill the unique purpose and calling that God has placed upon our lives.
But let us not be mistaken; answering God's call is not always easy.
It requires courage, sacrifice, and willingness to step out in faith
even when the path before us is uncertain.
requires us to lay aside our fears, our doubts, and our preconceived notions of what we think we can or cannot do, and instead trust totally in the abundance of God's grace and strength.
So I challenge you today, my dear brothers and sisters, to consider your response to God's call amid Easter.
Are you willing, like Isaiah, to say, 'Here am I. Send me!'?
Are you willing to surrender your plans, your desires, and your very life to the service of our risen Lord?
In answering God's call, we not only participate in the ongoing work of redemption and restoration but also experience the fullness of joy and fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with God's purpose for our lives.
Commissioned for Purpose
Reflect on Isaiah's response to God's call—' Here am I. Send me!'—let us be reminded of the profound truth that each one of us has been uniquely crafted and called by God for a specific purpose.
Just as Isaiah recognized his calling and responded with obedience, so too are we called to embrace our own unique calling from God.
God has placed within each of us a divine purpose.
—a purpose that is as unique as our fingerprints, as distinct as our DNA.
But all too often, we allow doubt and fear to hold us back from stepping into our calling.
We look at our limitations, and our shortcomings, and we say, 'How can God use someone like me?'
But let me tell you something, beloved:
God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
Just as He equipped Isaiah for the task set before him, so too will He equip each one of us for the tasks He has prepared in advance for us to do.
So I urge you today, do not underestimate the significance of your calling.
Whether you're a teacher, a doctor, a stay-at-home parent, or a student—whatever your vocation or station in life—
God has a purpose for you. You are not here by accident; you are here by divine design.
I challenge you to step out in faith, trusting that God will equip you for the task.
Do not be afraid to say, 'Here am I. Send me!'
For when we surrender our lives to God's purpose, He will use us in ways we never thought possible.
May we, like Isaiah, embrace our calling with boldness and courage.
May we trust in God's provision and go forth with confidence, knowing that we are fulfilling the unique purpose for which we were created.
For truly, my friends, the world is waiting for the manifestation of the sons and daughters of God. Will you answer the call? Will you embrace your purpose and step out in faith?
Overcoming Fear and Doubt
Firstly, let me assure you that you are not alone in your struggles.
Even the most faithful servants of God have faced moments of doubt and uncertainty.
Moses doubted his ability to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Gideon questioned whether he was strong enough to defeat the Midianites. And yes, even Isaiah, when confronted with the holiness of God, cried out, 'Woe to me! I am ruined!'
But here's the beautiful truth, my friends: God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. When we feel inadequate, when we doubt our abilities, that is when God's power shines brightest. He doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called. And He promises to be with us every step of the way.
So I urge you today, do not let fear and doubt hold you back from answering God's call. Instead, let them be a catalyst for deeper dependence on God's grace and strength. Trust in His promises, for He has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'
And remember, my friends, that God's presence goes before us and His strength upholds us. He is the one who equips us, empowers us, and sustains us amid every trial and challenge. So step out in faith, knowing that He who has called you is faithful, and He will do it.
May you find courage and confidence in the presence of our Almighty God. May you overcome every obstacle and embrace your purpose with boldness and conviction. May you experience the fullness of joy that comes from surrendering your life to God's will.
Conclusion:
"As we leave this place today, may we echo the words of Isaiah: 'Here am I. Send me!' Let's go forth with boldness and courage, knowing that we are commissioned by the risen Christ to share His love and truth with the world. Happy Easter, beloved! Let's go and make a difference in His name!"