A Righteous Response!

Reading through Genesis and on into Exodus, there is a reoccurring phrase which, for some reason, has captured my attention. It is three words spoken in response to God (or, at times, to an angel sent by Him) calling upon the particular individuals who responded with them. Among these responders we find Abraham, Jacob, and Moses. We also have examples of Isaac, Esau, and Joseph using these words in response to their fathers.
Samuel and Isaiah (among others) eventually used these words in responding to God as well. There is a history of these words used in response to God; a history of which we should be a part.

Note these words as spoken by Abraham.
“After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’
And he said, ‘HERE AM I.’” ( Genesis 23:1 ESV)

This was Abraham’s response on the occasion when God would ask him to offer his son Isaac. As we know, Abraham was willing to follow through, trusting God to make provision ( Genesis 22:8) for His promises to be fulfilled. And of course God worked it out. The phrase expressed by Abraham, is recorded through the Scriptures on various occasions as either “HERE AM I” or “HERE I AM”.

Remember when Adam and Eve heard God walking in the garden, they did not want to draw attention to where they were and so hid themselves. When God called, the response was not “HERE AM I”, but rather, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” (see Genesis 3:8-9) The reality is our whole life is naked before God. He knows where we are. We cannot hide from Him. So, what of the response, “HERE AM I”?

“HERE AM I” or “HERE I AM” seems to convey the idea “I am right here, ready to hear what you have to say so that I may put it into practice.” Granted, Moses began to offer some excuses to God after his initial response ( Exodus 3), but eventually followed through. Abraham, Jacob, Samuel, Isaiah (though Isaiah initially acknowledged his uncleanness before God, which God dealt with. Is. 6:5-7), and others appear to have responded ready to obey the direction of God.

As we read the commands of God are we doing so with a “HERE AM I” attitude? Are we ready and willing to put into practice what He desires us to do? Or would we prefer to “hide away” and ignore His bidding? God knows where we are. Do we? May our life before God reveal the attitude “HERE AM I, your willing servant, ready to go where you want and do what you desire to do in and through me.”

Have a great day LIVING AS A WILLING RESPONDENT TO GOD’S WILL!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Attitudes