Have you ever asked God, "How long do I need to keep serving or telling others about you when it seems seems to be making no difference at all?" If you have, then you are not alone. Many believers will ask this question at some point along their journey of faith. God Sends will examine this question that Isaiah posed to God when it was revealed that his ministry would not have positive results.
Isaiah's question to God, "Until when, Lord?" (Isaiah 6:11) was the result of an amazing encounter he had with holy God (the Lord of Armies, Isaiah 6:3). This amazing encounter led to Isaiah realizing his sinfulness while in the presence of holy God. This realization led Isaiah to confess his sinfulness, to recognize that he lived in a world broken by sin, and to experience God's response of forgiveness.
Isaiah's response to the amazing forgiveness of God was to obey when God asked, "Who should I send? Who will go for us?" (Isaiah 6:8). He responded to God's call by enthusiastically and humbly saying, "Here am I. Send me." (Isaiah 6:8).
This is where Isaiah was shown by God the reality of the task. God already knew when Isaiah went to share the message of repentance that it would only harden the hearts of the Israelites even more. This demonstrates God’s never-ending appeal to all men to repent, even though He knows many will respond with deaf ears and defiant hearts. In addition, they would have no excuse when God’s judgement would come upon them because of their rebellion. They couldn’t blame God for not warning them of impending judgement.
Then Isaiah asks the question, "Until when, Lord?" (Isaiah 6:11). This is a question we would most likely ask as well. God basically said, “until My plan is complete.” One must wonder if any of us would continue to serve if God gave us this kind of response. Yet, this is the response God is giving all of us who follow Him.
Serving on His behalf doesn’t always guarantee a positive response or experience. When we obediently share and show the good news of Jesus, we will most likely see people defiantly reject the message of repentance and salvation. This is a fact we all must face.
- We don’t quit serving and telling the good news of Jesus because of this.
- We don’t quit telling others just because the culture is plummeting into ruin.
- We don’t quit because we have loved ones who willingly reject Christ.
- We don’t quit because we have to wear masks or don’t gather like we once did on Sundays.
- We don’t quit when our own circumstances become difficult.
- We don’t quit because of mandates imposed on us regarding how we can speak about our faith.
- We don’t quit because culture says our message is a message of hate.
I pray all of us who have experienced Christ's amazing forgiveness will respond as Isaiah did, “Here am I, send me,” no matter the circumstances or the response of others.
