Whom shall I send, and who will go for us meaning

 "Whom Shall I Send, and Who Will Go for Us?" – Meaning and Interpretation

      The saying “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” comes from Isaiah 6:8 in the Bible. It is a powerful moment in which God calls for a messenger, and the prophet Isaiah responds, "Here am I. Send me!" This passage has deep spiritual and practical significance, revealing aspects of God’s nature, human responsibility, and divine calling.

1. The Context of Isaiah 6:8

      Isaiah 6 describes a vision in which the prophet Isaiah sees the Lord seated on a throne, surrounded by angels (seraphim) who proclaim, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3). Overwhelmed by the majesty and holiness of God, Isaiah realizes his sinfulness and exclaims: “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty” (Isaiah 6:5).

      In response, one of the seraphim touches Isaiah’s lips with a burning coal from the altar, symbolizing his cleansing and purification. Only after this moment of purification does Isaiah hear God’s voice asking, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?"

      This question is not directed at Isaiah alone but is an open invitation for anyone willing to step forward and serve. Isaiah, now purified and prepared, eagerly responds, "Here am I. Send me!"

2. Meaning:

A. God’s Call for a Messenger

      The question, "Whom shall I send?", highlights God’s desire to work through human beings. While He is all-powerful, He chooses to send people as His representatives to fulfill His will on earth. This is consistent throughout the Bible, as seen with Moses (Exodus 3), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1), and the disciples of Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20).

B. An Invitation, Not a Command

      God does not force Isaiah into service. Instead, He asks, allowing for a voluntary response. This shows that serving God is not about obligation but about a willing heart.

C. "Who Will Go for Us?" – A Reference to the Trinity

      The saying "for us" is significant. Some scholars interpret this as a reference to the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—indicating a divine discussion within the Godhead. This aligns with other plural references in Genesis 1:26 ("Let us make man in our image").

3. Isaiah’s Response – "Here Am I, Send Me"

      Isaiah’s willingness to serve is remarkable. Despite recognizing his unworthiness, he does not hesitate to respond. This demonstrates key principles about divine calling:

A. God Prepares Those He Calls

      Isaiah’s cleansing shows that before God sends someone, He purifies and equips them. No one is too sinful or unworthy if they are willing to be transformed by God.

B. Readiness to Obey

      Isaiah does not ask for details about the mission; he simply trusts God. This is a lesson in faith and surrender—when God calls, our response should be obedience, even when we do not fully understand His plan.

C. God Calls the Willing, Not Just the Qualified

      Isaiah was not perfect, yet God chose him. This principle is seen throughout the Bible—God often uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.

4. Application for Today

      The question "Whom shall I send?" is still relevant today. God continues to seek people who are willing to serve Him in different ways—whether in ministry, leadership, or daily life.

A. Personal Calling

      Each person has a unique purpose. Some may be called to preach, others to serve in their community, workplaces, or families. The key is being open to God’s direction and saying, "Here am I. Send me."

B. Leadership and Responsibility

      Good leaders respond to challenges with willingness and courage. Whether in spiritual or secular leadership, the attitude of Isaiah—humility, readiness, and trust in God—is essential.

C. Missions and Evangelism

      This passage has inspired many missionaries throughout history. It reminds believers of their responsibility to share God’s message, just as Isaiah did.

      Isaiah 6:8 is a powerful example of how God calls, cleanses, and commissions His people. The question "Whom shall I send?" is an invitation to all, and Isaiah’s response—"Here am I. Send me!"—is a model of faith, obedience, and readiness. Today, this call still echoes, asking: Are you willing to go where God sends you?