Inviting God / Week 6 – Isaiah

Week 6 – Day 1: An Invitation to Mission 

Read: Isaiah 6:1-8 

 

Last week, we dove into the story of David and how God saw his hidden potential and invited him from the fields to the palace. This week, we’re diving into the story of Isaiah and God’s invitation for Him to join His mission.  

Isaiah’s calling, his invitation to ministry, begins in chapter 6. The king had just passed away, creating great political instability, and Isaiah is troubled. Most scholars believe he is in the temple to pray, seeking the Lord’s face regarding the future of his people—his nation. As the Bible states in Jeremiah 29:13, when we seek the Lord with all our heart, we find Him. That’s exactly what happened with Isaiah!

Now, even though Isaiah is seeking the Lord for a specific purpose, I want you to pay attention to what actually occurs. Isaiah has come looking for answers – who will lead next? What should the nation do? He seems quite stressed by his surroundings. But notice that God doesn’t address any of that. Instead, God gives Isaiah a glimpse of Himself – of His glory. He reveals to Isaiah that it doesn’t matter who sits on the throne of Israel’s divided kingdom because God is seated on His throne – He is in charge of a greater Kingdom. He rules over all things. He is seated above every earthly power, and He is the one with supreme authority. 

And that reality leaves Isaiah undone. Completely unraveled. Seeing God in His glory has a way of doing that. When we see God in all of His glory and holiness, we can’t help but see our own sin — our unrighteousness. The result is usually a spiritual unraveling. No one can stand in their pride when they are in the presence of the perfect and holy One.  

God’s holiness and Isaiah’s sin are so clear to Isaiah that all he can do is cry out loudly, “Woe is me, for I am ruined because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Armies.” (Isaiah 6:5). But in that moment of confession, God does something powerful. He sends a seraphim, a creature of the highest heavenly order, to touch his lips with coal from the altar. It’s a symbol of what God does for us when we cry out to Him in our sin – He cleanses us (1 John 1:7).  

When we receive Jesus or, as Christians, when we confess our sins, this is exactly what God does for us. He purifies us from our sins. He cleanses us and justifies us. We are literally made “just as if we had never sinned.” How incredible is that? 

That’s exactly what Isaiah thought, by the way. I think that’s pretty cool. Isaiah felt the same way that you and I do when we realize what God has done for us. He was astounded—amazed that God could forgive him, that God wanted to have a relationship with him, and that God wanted to use him.  

That’s why, when God’s call to mission went out – “Who will I send? Who will go for us?” — Isaiah responds by shouting, “Here I am. Send me!” It makes me think of a child who eagerly wants to be picked for a team, jumping up and raising his hand, “Me… me… pick me!”

Shouldn’t we also respond to God’s call? And hear me clearly – He has called. God has called each of us. He has made it clear that His desire is for us to go out and bring others into His glorious Kingdom. But instead of jumping up and down with excitement and shouting “Me…me…pick me!” we often just try to ignore His call. 

As we reach the halfway point of this journey, I need you to start asking the tough question: why is that? Seriously. Why don’t we have the attitude of Isaiah? Here I am, God, send me! Have we not experienced the same cleansing? the same forgiveness? Have we not heard the same call?

So, what’s the disconnect? That’s the question I want you to grapple with today as we kick off week 6 of this study together. 

Prayer: Father, why don’t I respond to your call to ministry like Isaiah? Why am I so reluctant to join you on your mission? Help me get to the bottom of it this week. I pray that you would uncover my hidden fears and anxieties and help me to fully and enthusiastically embrace your call to go and make disciples. Amen. 

Reflection:
1. Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness comes while his nation is in political turmoil. How does remembering that God is on His throne help you when your own world feels unstable or uncertain? 

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 2. When Isaiah confesses his sin, God cleanses him and makes him new. How does God’s forgiveness give you confidence to step into the mission He calls you to?

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3. After experiencing cleansing, Isaiah eagerly responds to God’s call: “Here I am. Send me!” Why do you think so many of us hesitate to respond with the same eagerness? What fears or excuses keep you from saying “send me”?

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Application:
Pray Isaiah’s prayer of availability: “Here I am, send me.” Ask God to reveal one opportunity to step into His mission and invite someone into relationship with Him. Be ready to obey when He opens that door. 

 

Week 6 – Day 2: A Living Sacrifice 

Read: Romans 12:1–2 

 

Yesterday, we discussed Isaiah’s cleansing and calling to mission. I don’t know if there’s a clearer Old Testament picture of what salvation in the New Testament looks like than that. Consider this: The Holy God reveals Himself, which leads the sinner to recognize his guilt. God then provides atonement, and the person is cleansed and sent on mission. That’s the core of the gospel in seed form. 

 

Isaiah’s encounter was personally transformative. This moment marked the start of his prophetic ministry. It was the moment he would look back on for the rest of his life to remember his cleansing and his calling. 

 

It foreshadows our salvation through Christ. When we place our faith in Jesus, our sins are atoned for. We are cleansed and forgiven. We become part of God’s family and are called to His mission of seeking and saving the lost and making disciples who do the same. 

 

But there is something radically different on this side of the cross—something Isaiah didn’t understand. It’s the truth that transformation doesn’t have to be just a one-time event. In fact, for believers, it’s something that can and should happen every day.

The book of Romans is divided into two sections: Chapters 1-11 are doctrinal, and 12-16 are practical. In the first half of Romans, Paul explains the sinful nature of humanity, God’s provision of Jesus, and how justification (being made right with God) can only happen through Him. He also describes God’s plan of salvation for both the Gentiles and the Jews.

In chapter 12, he talks about the practical implications of this. The first is that belonging to Jesus means our lives should be offered as “living sacrifices.” This is a big idea. Both Jewish and Roman religions believed in animal sacrifice to some degree. But Paul starts Romans 12 with a shocking statement. Followers of Christ can’t just offer an external sacrifice. Since Christ now lives in them, they must live for Him! Their lives are meant to be a continuous act of sacrifice to God for what Jesus has done for them. 

 

My guess is that if you’re reading this, you realize you could be doing a better job of consistently living for Jesus—leading a life that shouts, “I’m a worshiper of Jesus Christ, and I belong to Him.” Well, you’re in the right place. That’s why I wrote this devotional. Much of this study reflects my journey through and toward the same goal. 

 

And here’s one of the first real keys to breaking free: escaping the cyclical pattern you find yourself in. You need to change your thinking! 

 

Our minds are powerful. What we think influences our actions and feelings, and vice versa. Think of it this way: our thoughts, actions, and feelings are all connected. If we hold negative beliefs about ourselves or God, we will feel and behave in ways rooted in those beliefs. Wrong actions can, in turn, create negative feelings, and vice versa, with both reinforcing our mistaken thoughts. 

 

The Bible calls this vicious cycle a stronghold. 

 

And when it comes to our belief that God can use us or wants to use us to reach others, most of us are stuck in a stronghold of disbelief and disobedience. And what I’m suggesting is a powerful weapon that you can use regularly to help you break free. 

 

You must dedicate yourself to reading God’s Word and understanding the gospel (the good news). This is essential. You need to recognize that, like everyone else, you are a sinner, and the wages of sin is death and separation from God. It’s important to understand that God’s standard for acceptance isn’t simply being “good,” as the world views it. Trying to be “good” enough for God will never work because mere goodness isn’t what earns acceptance—righteousness is. The Bible clearly states that none of us are righteous and that all our efforts to be so fall short (Romans 3:10, Isaiah 64:6). 

 

However, you must also understand that God loves you. He loves you so much that He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to do what you couldn’t do for yourself. Jesus lived a perfect life—righteous and fully pleasing to God. He walked the earth for 33 years and never sinned. Through His perfect life, He fulfilled all of the law on our behalf. And through His sacrificial death, He paid the penalty for our sins. 

 

Remember that when you put your faith in Him, not only is your sin removed once and for all, but His eternal righteousness is credited to you—deposited into your account. The eternal righteousness of Jesus now belongs to you and me! Because of this, you are now a child of God. You are born again. You are a new creation.

And you now have a new purpose. Because Jesus died for you, you are meant to live for Him. That’s what Paul refers to when he says we should be a living sacrifice. However, it doesn’t come naturally. Strongholds are difficult to break. That’s why daily renewal of our minds is so crucial. Hopefully, you’re beginning to see this in your own life as you spend time each day walking through this devotion. Consistent time in God’s Word helps us preach the gospel to ourselves every day and keeps us sharp so we can share the gospel with others.

Prayer: Father, help me prioritize spending time with you. Help me see the benefits of it—how it renews my thoughts and my heart. How it helps me break free and begin to believe that I am indeed a new person and that I now have a new purpose. Father, please keep using me. Help me see those around me as you see them. Use me so that they might come to know you. Here I am, Lord. Send me! 

 

 

 

Reflection:
1. Paul calls believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, dedicating every part of life to God. How does living as a “continuous act of sacrifice” change the way you view your daily choices, priorities, and relationships? 

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2. Transformation starts with renewing your mind, breaking down strongholds of wrong thinking, and aligning your thoughts with God’s truth. What strongholds or negative patterns in your life might be preventing you from living fully for God? How could daily renewal of your mind help you break these cycles?

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3. Our new identity in Christ gives us purpose: to live for Him and join in His mission. How does knowing that God has forgiven and redeemed you give you confidence to share His love with others? What practical step could you take this week to invite someone into God’s kingdom?

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Application:
Dedicate yourself to God as a living sacrifice today. Remind yourself that He died for you. Pray and ask Him to help you now live for Him and His mission. Make it a point to seek someone out today. Invite them closer to Jesus – to a conversation about Him, to church, to your small group, etc. 

 

 

Week 6 – Day 3: Never Alone 

Read: Exodus 3:10-12 

 

Biblical patterns matter, especially when they involve commands and promises. When it comes to God’s call for us to join Him in His mission, that’s exactly what we find: a biblical pattern of His invitation to seek and save the lost, make disciples, and His promised presence as we engage in these activities. 

 

Let me show you what I’m talking about.  

 

In Genesis 12, God tells Abraham to “go” from his country to a land that He will eventually show Him. God’s purpose is to bless the world through Him. The word “go” in Hebrew can also mean “come.” It’s an invitation. God is inviting Abraham to come and follow Him to a place that will be revealed. To come and be His people. To come and allow God to use him to bless the world. God also promises that He Himself will be Abraham’s shield (Genesis 15:1). This is a promise of God’s continual presence and protection.

In Genesis 26, God speaks to Isaac and tells him not to go to Egypt because of the famine, but rather to live in the land that God will tell him about as an alien. And God promises him, “I will be with you and bless you.” (Genesis 26:3). 

 

When God appears to Jacob at Bethel, it seems to mark a turning point in his life. He has just stolen his brother’s blessing and is now fleeing for his life. But even as He goes, God invites Him to Himself and reminds Jacob of His promise to give the land of Canaan to his descendants. And look at the promise attached: “Look, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. I will bring you back to this land, for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” (Genesis 28:15). 

 

God makes a similar promise to Moses when he tells him to “go” to Pharaoh and demand the freedom of his people. God declares, “I will certainly be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I am the one who sent you: when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will all worship God at this mountain.” (Exodus 3:12). 

 

And God makes similar promises to:

Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:6-8).
Gideon (Judges 6:14-16)
Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:7-8)  

 

It’s the same promise He makes to us if we stay committed to His mission. God assures us that we will never be alone and will never have to carry out this mission by ourselves. The Great Commission concludes with a powerful promise from Jesus: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) 

 

We notice that same promise repeated in Acts 1:8 when Jesus says we will “receive power” to be His witnesses. That phrase emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is always with us when we are on God’s mission of seeking the lost and making disciples. 

 

Don’t believe me? Listen to what Jesus says to Paul in Acts 18:9-10. Paul is in Corinth during his second missionary journey. He’s facing all kinds of resistance and opposition, especially from the Jewish leaders. He’s already had some pretty bad experiences with these kinds of people. Remember, he was beaten, stoned, and mocked by them on his first missionary journey. But listen to Jesus’s words as those fears start to creep into Paul’s mind…

“Don’t be afraid, but keep on speaking and don’t be silent. For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to hurt you, because I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:9-10). 

 

He’s telling Paul not to worry, that He is with him, and that promise is true for us too. That’s the pattern we see in Scripture. The repeated rhythm is “go” (follow me) and “I will be with you.”

Whenever you feel timid or fear and insecurity rise up in you regarding this mission God has called you to, remember that you are not alone. God is with you! He will never abandon you. He will lead, guide, empower, and even give you the words to say.

You will need to remind yourself of this truth from time to time. David did, and so will we. That’s what’s happening in the 23rd Psalm, by the way. Things are tough, and David is reminding himself that God is with Him. He can find comfort in God’s continual presence, no matter what life throws his way. 

 

Listen, this mission isn’t easy (as you’re discovering). But here’s the truth: we are never alone. God promises to be with us and to accompany us. In fact, He assures us that we will encounter His presence in extraordinary ways as we walk in obedience. We just have to go!  

 

Prayer: Today, Father, I will go. And I know that as I do, I will not be alone, for you will be with me. Holy Spirit, please go before me now. Prepare the hearts of those you will put in my path today. Give me eyes to see them, a heart to hear them, and a mouth that is ready and willing to invite them closer to you. Amen. 

Reflection:
1. God calls Moses to go and deliver His people, and He promises, “I will certainly be with you.”
How does God’s promise of His presence help you overcome fear or insecurity when you think about inviting others into His kingdom? 

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2. God promises Jacob, “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.” Why do you think God repeats this same promise of His presence throughout Scripture? How does that repetition encourage you personally?

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3. Jesus sends His disciples on mission and promises, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” How does knowing Jesus is always with you change the way you view sharing the gospel with others?

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Application:
Today, when fear or hesitation rises up, remind yourself of God’s promise: “I am with you.” Before any conversation where you sense God might want you to share His love, pause and pray, “Lord, go with me.” Trust His presence to give you courage and words. 

 

Week 6 – Day 4: The God Who Supplies 

Read: Luke 5:1–11  

 

There is a powerful quote attributed to Billy Graham. He said, “When we come to the end of ourselves, we come to the beginning of God.” It’s a profound statement for those of us who came to faith later in life. It signifies that we reached a very real place where we realized we just couldn’t do it. That it wasn’t working. That all of our efforts were in vain. We needed God to save us. 

 

Peter is experiencing a pivotal moment in today’s passage. This is literally his “come to Jesus” moment. After a long night of fishing, he has returned to the shore with an empty boat. No fish for this fisherman. He probably tried all his best spots and techniques. But nothing worked. That is, until Jesus got on board. 

 

Now, to be fair – Peter had already met Jesus by this point. Andrew had introduced them (John 1:40-42). Jesus had even visited Peter’s home and healed his mother-in-law (Luke 4:38-39). But this was different. In today’s text, something changes within Peter. He realizes who Jesus is and commits to following him. 

 

After a long night of fishing with nothing to show for it, Peter had given up. The text even says that he was washing his nets – a common practice before storing them. So, when Jesus asks him to get back in the boat, it’s a bigger request than we might think. He’s asking him to get his nets back out again. To unpack what he had packed away. And keep in mind that Peter is exhausted at this point. He mentions that he “worked hard all night” (Luke 5:5). But Jesus is about to teach Peter a lesson that will stick with him for the rest of his life.  

 

Peter reluctantly obeys. He gets his nets back out. And against his better judgment, despite his fatigue, he pushes out from the shore and goes back to the deep water. That’s when it happens. I imagine there was visible movement in the water above—a noticeable stirring, a frenzy. The slack nets suddenly become taut. The pull is so strong that even the calloused hands of these experienced fishermen feel the sting. The catch is so massive that they must immediately head to shore to prevent the boat from sinking! In fact, the catch overflows two boats. 

 

And it’s here in this moment that Peter learns his lesson. When we reach the end of ourselves, we come to the beginning of God. When we realize we can’t, we open ourselves to see that He can! Peter responds in the only right way one can. He falls at the feet of Jesus and cries out, “Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!” (Luke 5:9). 

 

It’s in this moment that Jesus calls Peter to become a fisher of men. With all the events still fresh in his mind, He calls Peter to a new task—catching people for the Kingdom!

 

If you ask me why I believe Peter’s ministry was so powerful and why thousands came to faith through his preaching, I would point to this single event. It’s here that Peter realizes that Jesus is the Lord who provides. It’s here that Peter understands that all he has to do is go where Jesus tells him and, in faith, cast the net – and Jesus will supply the catch.  

 

It’s a lesson we need to remember often. Friend, I don’t know why you haven’t gone fishing lately. Maybe, like Peter, you’re just tired. You’ve been on this Christian journey for a while, but you’ve seen little fruit. So, at some point, you might have decided to put your nets away altogether. Maybe, for one reason or another, you just want to stay in the shallows – afraid to venture back out into the depths out of fear of being hurt or rejected. 

 

What I’m saying is I don’t know why you’re on the shore or why you’ve put your nets away, but I believe Jesus is asking you to try again—to follow His leading in this mission He’s called you to: fishing for people. Going back to the places He leads. Casting those nets you had long stored away. And trusting that He will supply the catch! 

 

Prayer: Oh, Father. Would you please work in me. Help me get back in the boat with you. To get back on mission with you. I’m so sorry that I washed and stored my nets long ago. That I’ve been staying in the shallows. I’m here, Lord. I want to be used. Let’s go deep. I’ll follow you wherever you lead. Cast a net whenever you say. Use me, Lord, to bring full nets into your Kingdom. Amen.  

Reflection:
1. Jesus tells Peter to go back out and let down his nets, even though he had fished all night without success. When have you felt like giving up in your walk with Christ or in sharing your faith? How can Peter’s reluctant obedience encourage you to keep trusting Jesus? 

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2. The catch of fish was so great that it filled two boats to the point of sinking. What does this miracle teach us about God’s ability to provide when we obey Him? How does this challenge the idea that fruitfulness depends on our effort alone?    (MULTILINE)
3. Peter recognizes his sinfulness and then accepts Jesus’ call to become a “fisher of men.”
   Why do you think Jesus often calls us into mission at the very moment we feel most inadequate? How does that keep us dependent on Him instead of ourselves?

(MULTILINE) 

Application:
Ask God to show you one specific area where you’ve “put away your nets.” Take a step of obedience by following His leading—whether that’s starting a gospel conversation, re-engaging with someone you’ve given up on, or praying for boldness. Trust Him to supply the catch.  

 

Week 6 – Day 5: Called and Carried 

Read: Isaiah 40:28-31 

 

Isaiah 40 is a powerful chapter in Scripture. Its initial fulfillment describes God’s restoration of His people after exile, but ultimately, it points to the coming of Jesus and the Kingdom of God. It talks about John the Baptist’s declaration, preparing the way for the Lord. Every proud person (mountain) will be made low, and the low, uneven places will be raised up and made smooth (Isaiah 40:4). It emphasizes the need to proclaim to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” (verse 9). It also shows that Jesus will come as our shepherd (verse 11). 

 

It’s truly a beautiful passage in both its depth and scope. And this morning, as we finish our week, I thought it was fitting to reflect on it here. We started the week talking about God’s invitation to Isaiah—the vision in the temple. When Isaiah saw the Lord in His holiness, he couldn’t help but see his own sin and shortcomings. He confessed his sin to the Lord, and the Lord sent a Seraphim with a coal from the altar to cleanse him of his sin. It was at that moment of cleansing that Isaiah first heard God’s call to mission. “Who will I send? Who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8) 

 

Isaiah’s response was one of pure joy and excitement, reflecting someone who was deeply aware of what the Lord had done on His behalf. He cried out to God, “Here I am, Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8). 

 

And that’s exactly what God did. He sent Isaiah to warn Judah of the coming judgment, telling them that because of their sin, exile was imminent. Just as the Northern Kingdom had fallen to Assyria, the Southern Kingdom would soon be overrun by Babylon. But Isaiah also spoke of a great future hope. That’s what chapter 40 is about. Isaiah is speaking of two future events: Judah’s release from captivity, which won’t happen for another 150 years, and the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, God’s solution for our sin, whose birth is still about 700 years away. 

 

And it’s that mission I want to focus on today: the mission of being God’s mouthpiece. The mission of going where God directs us and saying what He commands. Listen, I know even thinking about what God has called us to can feel overwhelming at times. Like folks in Isaiah’s day, we might even wonder how it’s all supposed to work. How will God really do all this? How will He call the world to Himself through us? And the answer, of course, is that He will do it because He is God (Isaiah 40:21-24).  

 

The same God who measured the waters and gathered the dry lands (verse 12)…the same God who made the nations and causes rulers to rise and fall (verse 23)—He will be with you as you speak to the proud (mountains) and the broken (valleys). He will use you to bring comfort and remind them that in Christ, their sins are forgiven (Isaiah 40:1-2). You will be like John—helping prepare others to meet Jesus (verse 3), reminding them that life is short and that we will all stand before an eternal God and face judgment (verses 6-8). And when you begin to question whether this is true, remember that the same God who calls out the stars by name has called you by name. He has called you to be His child and His messenger. He will do this! He is the creator of the whole earth. His plan is right. Even if we may never understand it, it is the best way for His will to come about.

And this God—this all-powerful Creator of all who made us for relationship—who entrusts us with the great responsibility of being a light to the world—Himself will carry us through the task He has called us to. He will give strength to our unbelieving hearts. He will renew our desire to serve Him and our willingness to share. He will empower our speech and cause it to soar. He will make it so. We just have to say, “Here I am, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)

Reflection:
1. God never grows tired or weary, and He gives strength to the faint and weary. Why do you think God ties His call to mission with His promise to sustain us? How does this truth encourage you to accept His invitation and invite others to find their strength in Him too? 

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2. Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and rise up with wings like eagles. What does it look like in your own life to “hope in the Lord”? How has God renewed your strength when you felt like you couldn’t keep going—and how might that testimony be an invitation for others to place their hope in Him?

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3. God calls us to go, but He also promises to carry us. Why do you think it’s important to remember both truths—that God invites us into His mission and that He carries us as we go? How does this balance help you keep inviting others without giving in to pride or discouragement?

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Application: 

Pray Isaiah’s words again: “Here I am, send me.” As you do, ask God not only to send you but to carry you. Step into one opportunity to invite someone into God’s comfort and hope, trusting that He will give you the words and the strength.