Isaiah was blessed to be given a vision (Isa. 1:1) a message from God. To be the canal or the channel of Truth to others should be appreciated, but the “art of connection” is not always simple or so “straight forward’ and it is surely not simplistic. When I say Isaiah was blessed I am referring to the fact that whenever God reveals His Word and His Will, those who are entrusted to share this message are blessed – yes truly privileged – to be called upon to share the true Truth from God. Could you see yourself in this role?

Jesus prayed for us to understand the “art of connection” was something he wanted for his disciples and included all believers in his prayer: John 17:17  “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”

Yes, of course we believers want to be one with God and we want the world to believe! Yes, of course! On the other hand, if the message starts off, as it did with Isaiah 1:2-17 in harsh language, those (you? me?) who are called to deliver the Word of God might be forgiven if we take a step-back … just a bit or “lose-sight” of this privilege – this special “blessedness.” At least, during those ‘negative’ moments, moments when we find ourselves being the deliverers of “bad news” … we humans tend to wonder: “what is this?” “What have I signed up for?” “Is this the best way to connect? How is this a part of the “art” of connecting? Really?!! Will anyone listen? Why would they?

Before you turn to run, do please wait and listen to the “Good News” … from Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 40:11 “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd:
He shall gather the lambs with his arm,
And carry them in his bosom,
And shall gently lead those that are with young.

When we are wanting to connect with others and we have a message from God’s Word, that connection will have its strength in reality not in manipulation or strategy. Reading from 2 Corinthians (Allow me to abridge these passages): 3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech … 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” The simplicity or plainness or even ‘directness’ of our speech (or of Isaiah’s) has its effectiveness (power) accomplished through the Spirit of the Lord. When God “reasons” with mankind, He, by the reproofs or the inner convicting work of the Spirit helps men to understand “sin, righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8-11). God’s connection with unbelievers and believers alike is by the Spirit.

For us the “Art of the Connection” is understanding our role as “old clay pots” – 2 Corinthians 4:6–7 “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” The “art” for us is not in promoting ourselves, or our churches or anything else. 2 Corinthians 4:5 “For we preach (declare) not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”