Here I am
When burdens bear down, burden-bearers are needed. When opportunities arise, volunteers are requested. Yet many times when work calls, silence is the only answer.
When the LORD calls, the faithful answer.
When God called the great patriarch, he answered, “Here I am” (Genesis 22:1 ESV). In faith, Abraham obeyed the command of God, trusting in God to provide all that was needful, even the resurrection of his unique son (Hebrews 11:9). We are called to trust in God to provide all that is needful (Matthew 6:33).
The great law giver answered the Divine call, “Here I am” (Exodus 3:4). While at first with trepidation, soon Moses faithfully fulfilled Jehovah’s commands, shouldered great burdens, and enjoyed great blessings. We are called to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and to follow after him (Luke 9:23).
The prophet, Isaiah, was at first overwhelmed at the staggering vision of God. But once strengthened by the cleansing of God, he responded to Jehovah’s invitation, “Here I am! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8). The prophet functioned as both a forthteller and a foreteller, calling an obstinate people back to God, and proclaiming their coming punishment until all was desolate and the people received justice (Isaiah 6:9-13). We are called to go out into a lost world, live in it with hope, and share that hope with all who will listen (1 Peter 3:15).
But here’s the twist. God does not just call, he answers. If these broken people of Isaiah’s day turn their hearts to God and call to him, “the LORD will answer,” and he will say, “Here I am” (Isaiah 55:9). God is ready to be sought, he is ready to be found (Isaiah 65:1).
The hope found in Isaiah resounds through the ages. God wants us to seek him, he wants us to turn to him, he wants us to call to him, he wants us to find him.
To those who are not called by his name, the Savior on the cross pleads, “Here I am, come to me.” To those who have wandered away, the loving and patient Father implores, “Here I am, come back to me.” To those who are struggling, the Master Teacher stands and declares, “Here I am, learn from me.” And to those whose hearts are breaking, the “Father of mercies and God of all comfort” opens his gentle arms and lovingly says, “Here I am, lean on me.”
Where is God? He’s always been right here. He remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). How about us?
by Lee Parish