A Call to Difficulty

In many sporting competitions, there is a thing known as the half time. It is an extended break in which the teams go into their locker room to lick their wounds, regroup, and evaluate strategy. Now invariably in almost every sport with a half time, there is the “Half Time Talk”! This is that moment, right before the team once again takes the field, where the coach gives an inspiring speech to lift the spirit of the team, throw light on a dark future, and so build up the hope and confidence of the players.

It is my privilege to give the half time charge which God intends all His servants to receive Isaiah penned this chapter not only to convey the call that God placed on his life, but also to convey the call that God has placed on the lives of all His people! Thus far we have seen that the call to kingdom service involves a contradiction. On the one hand the minister laments his own weakness and inability (v. 5). On the other, he beholds the grace of God (vv. 6-7) which comforts him and so emboldens him to serve (v. 8). And so he goes from struggling with a profound sense of his insufficiency to an overwhelming desire to serve. That’s the contradiction out of which ministry arises!

It also involves a commissioning (vv. 8b-9a) which as we saw is august, greatly to be desired, and yet one which will place great demands on us.

Notice thirdly, the call to kingdom service involves a difficult calling.