The Signs of the Times, vol. 23

May 13, 1897

“Our High Calling” The Signs of the Times, 23, 19.

E. J. Waggoner

When Peter, in his boat on the Sea of Galilee, saw the power of Jesus of Nazareth over the sea and its inhabitants, he fell down before the Lord, saying, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Luke 5:8. It was the same feeling that prompted Isaiah, when he saw the same Lord sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, to exclaim, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5. SITI May 13, 1897, page 2.1

It is worthy of note, also, that both those men who thus confess their sinfulness, were at once accepted as workers. To Peter, the Lord said, “Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men,” literally, “thou shalt be catching men alive.” But Peter had to be converted before he could strengthen the brethren; and likewise the coal from off the altar had to touch the lips of Isaiah, and purge his sin, before he could say, “Here am I; send me,” to the call “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” and could be told, “Go.” SITI May 13, 1897, page 2.2

Herein is hope and a wondrous calling for every sinner. Christ came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. He receives and saves sinners, and then, having received them into his confidence, he sends them forth as his representatives, to carry his message of mercy to other sinners. He takes us as associates with him. He was made flesh, and took the nature of fallen humanity, in order to save men; and so he commits the work not to angels, but to those who have felt the power of the sins that oppress those to whom they are sent. To thus work with Christ is the highest honor that the universe can bestow. E. J. W. SITI May 13, 1897, page 2.3