“Here am I”

How will we respond when God calls us to action? Often, my first reaction can be like Moses at the burning bush - making excuses and thinking of reasons why other people would be better qualified for the task. However, the response God is looking for is that of the three men we will consider - “here am I”.

Abraham 

In Genesis chapter 22, we find Abraham being called by God to sacrifice Isaac: his long awaited, dearly beloved son. Of all things in the world, his son meant the most to Abraham. Yet when God called on him to do the unimaginable, Abraham responded with unquestioning faith and was willing to see it through to the end. It was only divine intervention that stopped Abraham carrying out his sacrifice:

‍'And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.” (Genesis 22:10-12)

Abraham demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice that which was most precious to him in order that he might please God. Perhaps for some of us, God will call on us to make great sacrifices. It might be time and effort, career decisions, relationships, money. Whatever it may be, we should have the attitude of Abraham and a willingness to respond with “here am I”. 

‍I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1)

‍Samuel 

When we come to 1 Samuel, it records for us the evil conditions that existed in the land. The people were out of touch with God and the word of God had become a rare thing - “there was no open vision”. It is in this context that Samuel is called by God. Not now to sacrifice, but to speak. God was going to give him a message to deliver.

‍“...the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I… And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again... And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child… And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.  (1 Samuel 3:4,6,8,10)

The first thing we should notice is that Samuel’s ear was open to God’s call. Although he did not initially recognise it to be God, on each occasion he heard the call. How aware of God’s calling are we? Are we spiritually mature enough - and in close fellowship with Him - to perceive when God speaks to us?

The second thing we should notice is that Samuel was given an incredibly difficult message. He had to relay to Eli, the old man who was his guardian and mentor, a message of certain judgement from God against him and his sons. Yet despite this, Samuel was faithful in passing on the message God had given him and “told him every whit, and hid nothing from him.” (1 Samuel 3:18). Samuel was a faithful messenger, and so God blessed him by ensuring that “none of his words [fell] to the ground”.

For us today, we have all been sent out into the world with the gospel. This is a message which can be uncomfortable to present. Telling our families, friends, and colleagues that they are sinners facing the prospect of a lost eternity is not an easy task, and one which I shy away from all too often. However, our message is much better than the one Samuel was given. We have to tell them of sin, but we can point to a Saviour. Just as with Samuel, where we present the word of God, it will be blessed. 

‍Isaiah 

In Isaiah chapter 6, Isaiah is given a vision of the majesty of the Lord, sitting on His throne, high and lifted up. He could say “mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts”. Having seen such a marvellous vision, Isaiah then hears a call - “who shall go for Us?”. It is almost as though Isaiah cannot help himself but respond “here am I, send me”.

Isaiah’s response came from a heart which had an appreciation of the glory and might of the One calling him. No other response would have been imaginable to him having experienced what he had. Isaiah’s vision was incredible but it is even more astounding for us today as we read the Scriptures and realise this is the same One who would hang on a cross and bear the wrath of God for our sins. Do we have an appreciation of the Lord who calls us to service? Are our hearts willing to respond like Isaiah’s, offering ourselves to God to be used? 

The question was asked - “who shall go for us?”. This is a call which we must answer daily. Let us all respond with “here am I”.

‍Christ

The greatest example of one who was willing to sacrifice, of one who was willing to bring a message from God, and one who was willing to serve is of course Christ. He “through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God” (Hebrews 9:14). He is the one that God “hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son” (Hebrews 1:2). He is the One who “made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). 

Scripture reminds us: ‭”He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” (1 John 2:6). Let each of us strive to be more like Christ and have hearts that respond with “here am I”.