Everyday Heroes: First Responders

I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

Isaiah 6:8 (NKJV)

Everyday heroes are first responders: ‘Those who act in return or in answer; To react positively or favorably' (American Heritage Dictionary).

Respond to what?

An appeal for help, a cry for action, an awkward, difficult, or untimely plea for assistance not easily given.

Such as? 

  • Stopping to serve a stranded traveler.

  • Defending and befriending an outcast.

  • Welcoming a stranger or immigrant.

  • Risking ridicule to stand in the gap.

  • Going out of one’s way to render aid.

Didn't Jesus do all these things and more? He says,

‘Many are called, but few are chosen' (Matthew 22:14).

Is His ‘choice’ dependent on our response? Shouldn’t we follow THE First Responder?

In The Parable of the Wedding Feast, Jesus “tags” our excuses to stay home:

'The Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come' (Matthew 22:2-3).

God's judgment for their unresponsiveness? 

'Those who were invited were not worthy.' (v.8).

In The Parable of the Great Supper, 

'A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, 'Come, for all things are now ready.' But they all with one accord began to make excuses' (Luke 14:16-18).

God's judgment for their unresponsiveness? 

'I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.' (v.24).

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Media kings promote first responders! In truth, all kinds of bosses notice those, who have the strength and pluck to stand up first.

  • Those who volunteer for difficult jobs!

  • Those who raise their hands with tuned-in questions!

  • Those who offer insightful ideas!

  • Those who do their self-submissions early!

  • Those who choose to honor their commitments!

You’re among your Captain’s first responders in the key mission fields of media. Don’t let critics or skeptics hold you back. You’re called to go where fearful Christians won’t.

Everyday Heroes: First Responders (Part 2)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban