Jesus Our Perfect Hope © 2018 by Charles F. Stanley MARCH 27 COMPELLED TO TELL I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send?” . . . Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” ISAIAH 6:8 Yesterday, we saw how Isaiah understood his sinfulness when he got close to the Lord because God was readying Isaiah to draw even nearer. Today, we see the result. Isaiah was so grateful for the mercy he’d received, he was willing to do whatever God asked. Forgiveness has that effect. In fact, David said the same thing: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation. . . . Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you” (Psalm 51:12–13 NIV). When you’re liberated from bondage, guilt, and shame, it’s natural to want to help others find the same. Out of gratefulness and compassion, you tell them how to be free so they can enjoy all God has given. This is the very heart of the commission Jesus gave us (Matthew 28:19–20). If the desire to tell others about Christ doesn’t flow from you out of thankfulness to Him and mercy for others, then examine your heart. Make sure you’ve received the fullness of His freedom and forgiveness. Because when the joy of His salvation is in you, it can’t help but overflow. Jesus, sometimes I don’t feel compelled to share. Fill me with the desire to exalt You and to minister to others. Amen. My hope is in Jesus because He sets people free!