In the third volume of his series “The Search for the Ancient Order,” Earl West told an endearing story from the early life of J.W. Jackson (1840-1901), a Texas preacher and later an owner and writer for the Firm Foundation. Before becoming a Christian, Jackson served as an officer in the Confederate army during the Civil War. There was a particular young man serving under his command that had become notorious for fearfully and discretely abandoning the rest of the men just before a battle was to begin. Just before the battle at Chancellorsville began, Jackson called the young man to his side and informed him that he had given orders to shoot him if it was noticed he was running from the battle. And to impress upon the young man his seriousness, Jackson repeated the order to two other soldiers while he was near by. The young man became pale with fright, but as he entered the battle he fought bravely. Later after a bitter campaign at Gettysburg during which many casualties were suffered, Jackson led the remainder of his men onto the battlefield to recover any wounded. Soon the same young man from Chancellorsville came limping up to Jackson tired, dirty, and wet from the battle and proudly said, “Here me, Lieutenant…!” The young man had overcome his fear and cowardice in the face of battle and had once again fought courageously.
God’s people have always faced fierce opposition, perhaps no more intense than during the times of the prophets. The Hebrews writer summed up the fate of the prophets by informing us they: “had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented” (Hebrews 11:36-37). Cruelty was the name of the game as the ancient Jews sought to show their displeasure to these spokesmen of God. And yet amidst this fearful reality, those men stepped up to the task every time. In the midst of one of the most perilous and ungodly times in all of the history of Israel, God asked Isaiah, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8a). Isaiah could have realized the danger and discouragement he would face by accepting such a task and just as that young man had, slip away shunning any and all duty. But boldly Isaiah’s response was, “Here am I; send me!” (Isaiah 6:8b). Any fear that might have been felt was immediately pushed to the far recesses of his mind and Isaiah accepted this task that eventually would cost him his life. Isaiah proudly proclaimed, “Here me, Lord!”
Our God is still seeking brave workmen who will go out into fields and help bring forth the increase (John 4:35; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Yet the task is not easy. Those who accept the task will face rejection, mockery, heartache, and threats. “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Will we fearfully flee, rejecting any accountability for the great work that lies ahead? Or will we, like Isaiah, step forward and accept our task? We must throw fear to the wind, step forward, and in word and deed loudly and proudly proclaim, “Here me, Lord! Here me!”
-Andy Brewer
