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Exodus 3:4 – “Here I Am”
“Here I am”. This phrase of availability, opportunity, and vulnerability, when said to God, is not very common; but when it is watch out!
“Here I am” said Abraham twice. The first time leading to the “binding of Isaac” and certain death. The second time probably said in hope combined with fear as God’s angel releases Abraham from God’s onerous sacrifice (Genesis 22:1,11).
“Here I am” said Jacob to God’s angel leading to a dangerous mission to return home to the Promised Land. Dangerous because of Laban his father-in-law (Genesis 31:11).
“Here I am” said again Jacob to God. This time he and all his family were to leave the Promised Land to travel to Egypt. No wonder God said, “Do not be afraid” (Genesis 46:2-3).
“Here I am” said Moses to the voice coming out of the burning bush. This will lead to a calling that Moses tried to turn down, possibly the second most difficult leadership position outside of Jesus’ incarnated role.
“Here I am” said Samuel, unknowingly to God thinking he was being called by Eli. The third time he replies to God whose reply back was, “I am about to do something in Israel that everyone who hears about it will shudder” (1 Samuel 3:1-11).
“Here I am” (or “Here am I”) said Isaiah in answering God’s question, “Who should I send? Who will go for Us?” (Isaiah 6:8).
“Here I am” said Ananias in preparation for God’s assignment concerning the religious terrorist Saul/Paul (Acts 9:10).
Ananias was frightened as was Jacob, according to the texts. Isaiah’s vision was glorious yet terrifying. Samuel’s message to Eli was terrible. Moses would saying, “Who am I that I should go?” Abraham had the most intimidating order of all. Jesus calls us today. Many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14). The reason is, saying “Here I am” while the right answer, is a difficult calling. When saying “Here I am” we are saying, “Here, I AM.”
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