Clergy/Leaders' Mail-list No. 1-053

CALL AND RESPONSE: THE WORD AND THE WORLD

From 'Sunrise Sunset' (HarperCollins/Harper San Francisco), Rowland Croucher's book of daily meditations. Feel free to use or adapt it.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I; send me!' Isaiah 6:8.

Christianity is par excellence the religion of the Word. When we speak, we disclose ourselves: so does God. He has spoken in various ways - nature, history, conscience, prophets and ultimately in his Son (Hebrews 1:1,2). Jesus Christ IS God's word to us. He also speaks through his written word, the Bible. And the word of the Lord comes to us in the living voice of the church as it proclaims, preaches and teaches.

In true worship God speaks, we answer, God speaks again, we respond. 'The Lord said to [Jeremiah]'... 'I answered...' 'But the Lord said to me...' (Jeremiah 1:4-7). 'I heard the Lord say, "Whom shall I send? Who will be our messenger?" I answered, "I will go! Send me!" So he told me to go...' (Isaiah 6:8-9). Conversation is two-way dialogue. So is worship.

When God speaks, we respond. Over and over in the Bible God tells us he is not pleased with worship that's just words or formulas, and does not lead to a changed life. Indeed if worship does not change us it is not true worship.

As you Lord Jesus, were totally obedient to the will of your Father, so may I respond with my total self to your call to follow you anywhere, and to proclaim you in my world. Amen.