Isaiah was purified by the ember that touched and burned his lips, making him pure.
The apostles were prepared by the teacher who they were to follow, listen to, learn from, and become like — they would not be “above” their teacher, but were to become “like” their teacher.
Isaiah was given a heavenly “vision” of the king, the Lord of hosts, surrounded by seraphims. Angelic vision, indeed!
The apostles were given a heavenly call to be kingdom preachers and revealers of the word; and they were challenged to not become a “part of the crowd,” ever, but rather to stand out as true followers of the word made flesh — the Christ.
+ These are the giants. These are the “handpicked” by God, by Jesus. These are the ones who were sent to speak — to do, to live, to call, to anoint others who, too, would be called to speak, to do, to live, to call others, to anoint others.
And it goes on and on.
+ Where do we find ourselves in this? From Isaiah to today — approximately 2,800 years ago, from the apostles to today — approximately 2,000 years ago.
Today, in strange, sad, challenging, hateful, loving, sinful, grace-filled, fearful, and hopeful times, here we are; God continues to call and to anoint.
Like Isaiah and the apostles who said yes, are we ready to say yes?
Yes!
Not to fit in, but to stand out and become prophetic, Gospel, and kingdom people of God!
Father Perry D. Leiker is the 14th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at perry.leiker@gmail.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.
