"And I heard the LORD, saying,
'Whom shall I send, and who shall go for Us?
Then I said, 'Here am I! Send me."
Isaiah 6:8
Bernie Madoff is reported to be the most hated man in America. He now serves a prison sentence of 150 years for fraud in the investment industry. He cheated and stole from people who trusted him with their life savings and retirement funds. He used people for his selfish purposes. God uses people, but for unselfish purposes, to be a blessing to others. We can trust Him for His word is true. God doesn't have to use us, but He chooses to do so. He invites us to work together with Him.
Isaiah encountered God in a visionary experience. He realized God's holiness and his own sin. God cleansed him and removed his sin. Isaiah heard the call of God for someone to be sent to the people with the message of heaven. Isaiah volunteered and God used him. God calls us to work together with Him in our world. He wants to use us in a variety of ways to minister to others. Our volition is involved. We choose to accept or ignore the call of God. Running from our own personal call to some ministry is to forfeit the joy and pleasure of finding purpose and fulfillment in life.
First of all, God calls us to His love and grace in Christ. Bernie Madoff may be hated by many Americans for deceiving them, but He is loved by God as a sinner, even as God loves us as sinners, through the cross of Christ (Romans 5:8). God calls His people to serve others in love with joy. God uses people. God can use you. Like Isaiah, you may volunteer.
LORD, use me for Your glory.
