In Isaiah 6 we find that Isaiah volunteered to go and speak for God. Why did Isaiah volunteer? It was not because his task was pleasant, because his message was one of judgment. It was not because he wanted money, glory or honor, because he received none of those. It was not because he was assured of success, because God guaranteed him that the people would not listen. This must have been extremely difficult for him to begin a task, knowing beforehand that he would not be successful. However, God assured him that a remnant would listen and be saved (Isaiah 6:12,13). That would make all his efforts worthwhile.
Most of us would be glad to teach, if we knew the vast majority would listen and obey. Regrettably, we know that is not the case; therefore, we often become tired and discouraged or refuse to even begin. Isaiah can become a source of encouragement for us to volunteer to become God’s great servants. God has already asked all of us to volunteer in His service; therefore, don’t wait for someone to ask you to do something. Isaiah volunteered to speak for God, and he was told to keep preaching until God’s predictions of destruction had been fulfilled (Isaiah 6:10-11). In like manner, we must keep preaching the good news of salvation, or doing whatever it is that we can do in the service of our Lord, as long as there is a man in his house or people in the cities. No, the majority may not listen, but there will be a small number, “a remnant,” which will respond and make all our efforts eternally worthwhile.
