Isaiah saw the LORD, high and lifted up and the train of his robe filled the temple. All was smoke and sublimity. And he was so deeply conscious of the holiness of God that his own uncleanness became a palpable, damning reality. (Isaiah 6)
Peter listens to the man on the shore and casts his nets where he had no expectation of finding fish. He and his friends were overwhelmed by the haul. In the catch, he caught a glimpse of God’s otherness; in that sign, he saw his sin and was humbled to his knees. (Luke 5)
Three men, awed by God’s majesty, made deeply aware of their own fractured and soiled humanity.
And in each case the LORD deals graciously with them:
- Moses the exile is reminded that this is the God of his fathers, the God of promise
- Isaiah’s lips are scorched by coals and told his sin is atoned for
- Peter is told not to fear, because fear has to do with judgement and he is now in the presence of redeeming love.
And in each case the LORD speaks to them of his mission to rescue a lost and broken world and calls them into the service of that rescue plan:
- “So now, go…” (Ex. 3:10)
- “Go and tell this people” (Is. 6:9)
- “From now on you will fish for people” (Lk. 5:10).
Three men shown God’s glory - not to crush them but to commission them; to humble them that they might be raised into serving God and his gospel of grace.
And in that expectation we pray, Lord show us your glory. Amen.
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Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou hast sought, so let me seek
Thy erring children lost and lone.
O lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wandering and the wavering feet;
O feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Thy hungering ones with manna sweet.
O strengthen me, that while I stand
Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand
To wrestlers with the troubled sea.
O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.
O give Thine own sweet rest to me,
That I may speak with soothing power
A word in season, as from Thee
To weary ones in needful hour.
O fill me with Thy fulness, Lord,
Until my very heart o’erflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.
O use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where,
Until Thy blessed face I see,
Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share!
Frances Ridley Havergal
(1836-79)
