Isaiah 6:6-8
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: ‘Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged.’ Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’
I once was asked to officiate at a wedding ceremony with 400 to 600 guests expected. As the time for the wedding approached there was an alarming sense of silence. Ten minutes before the ceremony there were perhaps twenty people in the church. A few more straggled in at or near the time of the event. All told there was about thirty-five family and guests present. Each one there meant so much to the bridal couple. Those who failed to attend drove a stake into the hearts of this couple who had counted on their attendance.
I just read a statement by a very wise man, Ron Ritchie. He once commented to Chuck Swindoll that three fourths of ministry is just showing up. I love that! It is so basic and true that it is hard to argue with it.
I once heard Howard Hendricks share the story of a Teacher’s Training Seminar he was to lead in a small church. For weeks the pastor of that church had announced the importance of the seminar and begged each and every teacher to be present. When the day arrived, and the time for the seminar began, only two teachers showed up. In utter dismay the pastor sent the two home, rather than waste the time on an important seminary professor, author and conference speaker.
I wonder about what might have been accomplished with those two faithful teachers who were there to learn. I also wonder about those who did not attend and crushed the spirit of a pastor who wanted the best for them and his church. Where would you see yourself in this incident? Are you someone who can be counted upon to just be there?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing to others!
—Pastor Cecil