October 25, 2022 – Reflections on “Here I Am, Lord!”

“Here I am! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8. In God’s Word, there is a record of those who heard the Lord speak and replied, “Here I am.”

         When my Dad planned a trip, he wanted to know the destination, the purpose for the trip, and the cost of the travel, and where we would stay during the nights away and the route we would travel.

         Neither Abraham, Isaiah, Moses, Samuel went without answers. Then Ananias, sent to speak to Saul, later, Paul, and knowing his reputation, thought it to be a death sentence. He obeyed.

         Abraham, being 99 years of age, heard that in one year, he would have a son. Sarah, in the tent, laughed when she heard she would have a child. In one year, Isaac was born. Then God tested Abraham by requiring him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, on one a mountain in the land of Moriah. Before Isaac was born, it is recorded, Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. Genesis 15:5-6.

         When God called, Abraham replied, “Here I Am.” Then, after building the altar, he tied Isaac and laid him on top of the wood. And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. At that moment, the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!” “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.” Genesis 22:10-12.

         Then I remember the verse I learned long ago. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

           Faith has to be in place before we can say, “Here I Am, Lord!” without holding back with a list of ‘if’s’.

         I recall the hymn lyrics built on Psalm 119:18 by Clara Scott. Open my eyes, that I may see, Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me. Open my ears, that I may hear, Voice of truth Thou sendest clear Open my mind, that I may read, More of Thy love in word and deed.

         The Willingness to See, Hear, and Read the Truth sets us free, and we become new creatures in Jesus Christ.

         As children, we are prone to rebel against our parent’s wishes and go our own way. Yet, how sweet our family life becomes when we listen and obey and trust our parents.

         What do you see in the day’s dawning, in majestic mountains, in the tiny bud, or in ripening grain, or in a waterfall? Without believing the first verse of the Bible and knowing that everything we see comes from Him and is in his control, will we understand to Whom we belong? An old hymn reminded me of the power of God. This is my Father’s World… This is my Father’ world, and to my listening ears, All nature sings, and round me rings, The music of the spheres. (Babcock)

         Here I am, is the response we give to God, who created us. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. Romans 12:6. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. Romans 8:28.

         Believe in the Lord, and trust in Him. Follow this verse. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Ephesians 4:2. This is what loving one another is all about.

          “Just as I have loved you, love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34b-35. Our choice is made. Just as our Lord God is steadfast, we are to be steadfast. For great is His steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord! Psalm 117:2.

         Now we have an answer to, Here I am, Lord, to Go where the Lord commands. And we respond, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever! Let Israel say His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1-2.