Isaiah 6:1-5

“…I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of God’s robe filled the temple.” (Isaiah 6:1b, NRSV)

Isaiah saw God in a wonderful vision. Or did he? He described the seraphs that attended God but did not describe God. But that doesn’t seem to matter to Isaiah. He is still in awe of what he saw. Isaiah’s response to this incredible sight is perhaps a common one: I am unworthy! I am unworthy to see something this beautiful. I am unworthy to be in the presence of God.

But instead of imploding in upon himself at such an experience, Isaiah’s lips are touched with a hot coal (zowie and ouch!) and his sins are blotted out. It was then he was free to volunteer when God asked “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?”

So many times we feel, first of all, unworthy of a task God might call us to undertake, and then we feel unprepared or inadequate. Surely there is someone else more suited for this God-task than me!

Nope! Says God. That’s why I asked YOU!!! I gave you the gifts needed for this and I expect you to use them. There is nothing we can’t accomplish together!

Holy, Holy, Holy God, you’ve called me to the task. Fill me now as your hem filled the temple, and I will answer your call. Amen.

– Pastor Fay Ann Blaylock, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Falls City, and Zion United Church of Christ, Rulo