Here I Am. Send Me.

     The glory of God came to earth and slept in a stable. The Son of Man and the Son of God made His first appearance with no fanfare, no parade, no network news or twitter. Only the animals surrounding Him, along with His earthly mom and dad welcomed the extraordinary Messiah into His ordinary surroundings.

     Just as Jesus would share His love and compassion with the least of the least, He chose to share His birth with the lowest class of the day, the shepherds. And they witnessed the glory of God and the choir of angels heralding His arrival.

     Jesus still enters the places others fear to tread. He walks into the room of the derelict, the prostitute, the cheating corporate executive. He visits the death bed of an unbeliever and offers hope and life. He never gives up on us.

     Could it be the very ones you avoid are the ones Jesus has asked you to love? Not an easy task. Neither was dying on the cross. The heart of Christ is with those who need Him most. He does not want to lose even one.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  2 Peter 3:9

     With His help, we can share the love. When others want to throw stones, Jesus steps a little closer and takes the beating for the outcast, the poor and needy, the hungry and the sick, the prisoners and for you and me. He shares His glory with us. And when He asks:

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

     We can respond like Isaiah:

And I said, “Here am I. Send me.”  Isaiah 8:8

Lord,

Here we are! Send us. Show us how to love as You do. Keep us from fear and lead us into the places others avoid.

In Jesus name,

Amen