GOD SEEKS THOSE WHOSE HEARTS WILL BE DEDICATED TO HIM
__________________________________________________
God manifests Himself in His creation. His absolute sovereignty, His unlimited power, His miraculous works are ever on display for all to see so that people are without excuse (Romans 1:20). Creation is a testimony to His undeniable existence. He is the great I AM.
Yet God’s heart is always turned toward His created ones, His treasured possession. He is not austere and distant, but personal… a God of unconditional love and acceptance. He is a welcoming presence to all whose eyes are open and hearts receptive to His call.
- “Here I Am” – God’s Heart
“My people will know My name; therefore they will know on that day that I am He who speaks. Here I am!” – Isaiah 52:6
God’s heart is with His covenant people. In this passage, originally spoken to His chosen nation of Israel, He is looking forward in time to “that day” when the Messiah Christ ushers in His kingdom. “Here I am!” Jesus is our Immanuel, the eternal I AM here now with all believers.
“I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. To a nation that did not call My name, I said, ‘Here I am! Here I am!’” – Isaiah 65:1
God seeks us out even when we are not searching for Him. His divine revelation can be discovered by anyone. His grace extends to all. Jesus is the revelation of God to mankind. “Here I am! Here I am!” echoes the promise of Jesus to welcome New Covenant believers into His holy presence.
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry out, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’” – Isaiah 58:9
God desires a covenant relationship with His children. He is near to all who call upon Him, ever ready to respond and act. His care and attentiveness is like a shepherd tending to his sheep. “Here I am.” Jesus is our Shepherd who promises to never leave or lose any of His own.
- “Here I Am” – Followers After God’s Heart
“God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am.’” – Exodus 3:4
† Moses – A Divine Calling
The voice of God comes to Moses as he is shepherding sheep. He is called to a holy mission, a life set apart to carry out a divine plan. “Here I am” is his reverent reply, indicating an open and receptive heart. Moses accepts the mission to be a shepherd to God’s people, Israel.
“The Angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied.” – Genesis 22:11
† Abraham – A Sacrificial Obedience
God tests the faith of Abraham, asking him to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. At the act’s critical moment, a voice from heaven calling his name stays his hand. “Here I am” is his obedient, devoted response. Abraham’s trust in God is rewarded when an alternate sacrifice is provided.
“God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, ‘Jacob! Jacob!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied.” – Genesis 46:2
† Jacob – A Prophetic Journey
God directs Jacob in a vision to relocate to Egypt, promising His guidance and protection. There, He will fulfill His covenant to make Jacob’s ancestors into a great nation. “Here I am” indicates this faithful patriarch’s readiness to follow God’s path without hesitation.
“The Lord called to Samuel, and he answered, ‘Here I am.’” – 1 Samuel 3:4
† Samuel – A Humble Heart
Samuel is just a boy mentoring under Eli the priest when he hears a call from God. Jehovah chooses the young boy for a life of holy purpose as a key prophet, priest and judge in Israel’s future. “Here I am” is Samuel’s humble answer, with a heart ready to please and willing to serve.
“Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ And he said, ‘Here I am, Lord.’” – Acts 9:10
† Ananias – A Heroic Act of Faith
Ananias, a loyal believer in Christ, receives a call from God in a vision to go to minister to Saul (Paul). “Here I am, Lord” shows a life of prioritizing God’s will. Despite his fear of this persecutor of Christians, he obeys. Ananias lays his hands on Saul whose sight is miraculously restored.
“I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’” – Isaiah 6:8
† Isaiah – A Heart of Commitment
Isaiah experiences a glorious vision of God upon His heavenly throne. This question is posed in his presence. Even with the awesomeness of the moment, he passionately responds with, “Here I am! Send me.” God sees a heart devotedly consecrated to Him and commissions Isaiah to be His anointed prophet to the nation of Judah.
“He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. “– 2 Timothy 1:9
Are we followers after God’s heart as these biblical greats? Are we open and receptive to His holy calling? Do we respond with a readiness, a willingness to obey and follow His will?
These inspiring heroes of faith answered God’s call on their lives with devoted obedience and trust. We may not hear the audible words of God, yet we know His heart. He is looking for those whose lives will be committed to Him. He calls each of us to a specific purpose in His kingdom. “Here I am! Send me.” Is this the cry of your heart?
† Eternal Takeaway – “Here I am” is the obedient, humble, trusting response to God’s call †
