Daily Devotional | Send Me

Humility might not top the list of qualifications for a pastor, but it should! As David Mathis wrote: “Few things poison the church, and sully her reputation in the world, like arrogant pastors.” And the Apostle Paul included humility in his list to Titus: “Not overbearing [arrogant]” (Titus 1:7).

In Isaiah 6, we find the prophet’s specific call to ministry and his humble response. Isaiah was given a vision of the Lord, sitting on His throne. The hem of His robe filled the Temple. Surrounding seraphim covered their faces and their feet with their wings, and they cried to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty! (v. 3).” The triple “holy” emphasized the degree to which God was set apart.

The Lord’s utter perfection prompted Isaiah’s reaction. He cried, “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips” (v. 5). When confronted with the perfection and majesty of God, Isaiah’s response was humility. He could only acknowledge his own sinfulness and that of the people. Then, in the vision, one of the seraphim touched Isaiah’s lips with burning coal, an act of cleansing and forgiveness (vv. 6–7).

Upon Isaiah’s cleansing, the Lord uttered His call: “Whom shall I send?” (v. 8). Isaiah knew nothing of the actual assignment—He didn’t know the message, the location, or the duration of the call. He didn’t understand the difficulties he would face. Yet, unlike Moses and Samuel, Isaiah offered no objection and expressed no fear. He simply offered himself. “Here am I. Send me!” (v. 8).

The prophet had a difficult task ahead. The Israelites’ hearts would be hardened. Yet a remnant would remain. Throughout all generations, God preserved a faithful remnant of His people.

>> Like Isaiah, we are not worthy. We must not become proud or self-reliant in our call. The Bible teaches us the importance of confession and cleansing. May we too adopt this beautiful posture of willing obedience.

Pray with Us

Lord, when each of us bowed the knee to You, we knew no better than Isaiah what You would ask of us. Neither can we now comprehend the joys awaiting us in eternity with You. With all future trials, tests, and rewards, we trust You.

BY Kelli Worrall

Kelli Worrall is Professor of Communications and Chair of the Division of Music and Media Arts at Moody Bible Institute. She is the author of several books, including Pierced and Embraced: 7 Life-Changing Encounters with the Love of Christ. Kelli studied at Cedarville University (BA), Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (MRE), and Roosevelt University (MFA). Kelli and her husband, Peter, are parents of two children through adoption and enjoy decorating their Craftsman house.