“Send Me, Jesus” ELW 549
1 Thu-ma mi-na, thu-ma mi-na, thu-ma mi-na, Nko-si yam.
2 Ndi-ya vu-ma, ndi-ya vu-ma, ndi-ya vu-ma, Nko-si yam.
1 Send me, Jesus; send me, Jesus; send me, Jesus; send me Lord.
2 I am willing; I am willing; I am willing, willing Lord.
Devotion
After God raised Jesus from the dead, the Risen Christ says to the disciples and us: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21). We know how the Father sent Jesus to and for us. Now it is as if Jesus turns to the world and says: "World, here is my church and my disciples. I am sending them to you as my witnesses as the Father has sent me." This South African hymn gives a simple straightforward reply: "Send me, Jesus; send me, Jesus; send me, Jesus; send me, Lord." It echoes the prophet Isaiah's response to God's question, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Isaiah responds: "Here am I; send me" (Isaiah 6:8). And so we respond, "Send me, Jesus...I am willing."
Prayer
Gracious God, we know that we cannot by our understanding or strength believe in Jesus Christ, but that your Holy Spirit has called us through the gospel and enlightened us with your gifts. As you send us as your witnesses and lovers of the world, grace us with your presence so we dare to live and speak in your Name. Amen.