Senator Tom Cotton on Isaiah 6:8 – A Divine ‘Call of Duty’

Show Notes

Mark is delighted to be joined today by his good friend, Senator Tom Cotton, to discuss his passage of choice: Isaiah 6:8. Tom grew up on his family’s cattle farm in Arkansas, graduated from both Harvard and Harvard Law School, and eventually joined the Army where he served in Iraq and Afghanistan. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and Ranger Tab, and he has served with The Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to the Senatorial work he does with a number of committees, Tom is also the NY Times best selling author of Sacred Duty: A Soldier’s Tour at Arlington National Cemetery.

Tom begins today’s conversation by offering a summary of the passage along with the reasons why it is so meaningful not only to him, but to young soldiers, chaplains, and so many throughout the Army. He and Mark then discuss the partnership between man and God, the distinction of truly knowing and truly understanding, and Tom shares how The Old Guard, with whom he served, embodies the meaning of this passage. As always, our guest finishes the discussion by recounting the lessons that he has learned about mankind throughout his remarkable life. Tune in today to learn, along with Mark, just how important this passage is to those who serve in the Army, and the lessons it can offer to all of us.

Episode Highlights:

Tom’s summary of the passage and the meaning it holds for him
Why it is meaningful to young soldiers
How Chaplains use this passage in the Army
The partnership between man and God
Truly knowing and understanding
How The Old Guard embodies the meaning of this passage
The lessons that Tom has learned about mankind

Quotes: “Probably one of the two most cited verses among soldiers, at least the soldiers I knew at the time I served.” “The Army’s way to purify you, to turn you into a true soldier who’d be ready to go forth and do the work, Lord’s work and the nation’s work.” “You should always do your duty and do what’s asked of you.” “It’s through that partnership of man and God that God’s work gets done on the Earth.” “There’s a difference between knowing of something and truly knowing it; of perceiving it and truly understanding it.” “Do the hard right over the easy wrong.” “Hopefully, the eternal wisdom and ever inspiring words of the Bible can bring us to an ever better place, politically and otherwise.”

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of my Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me.” https://www.sefaria.org/Isaiah.6.8

Links:

The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/

Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

For More Information About African Mission Healthcare and to Donate visit: https://africanmissionhealthcare.org/donation/gerson-ubs-matching/