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Last week we briefly looked at the declarative statements of Jehovah and Jesus using the descriptive assertion – I Am. This week we'll observe how that same self-descriptive phrase was often used by those responding to the call to "Come – follow me." – in both the Old and New Testaments.

God challenged Abraham to prove his faith with faithfulness; Abraham twice answering with an expectant, "Here I am." In being instructed to go with his son Isaac to offer a sacrifice, "Here I am" signified an acknowledgement of God, an acceptance of his will and anticipation of being told more. Here I am Lord – at your service; what would you have me do? Here I am Lord – willing to do whatever you command; tell me more. (Genesis 22:1-14)

Jacob's first direct encounter with God resulted in Jehovah's identifying himself as the Lord – the I Am of his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac. (Genesis 28:10-17) Years later, in responding to a messenger from God, Jacob's reply was simply, "Here I am" – accompanied by an expectation of what God would have him do. (Genesis 31:11) Later, when addressed directly by God, the simple yet direct response of, "Here I am" again; this time his faithfulness in following God's directives assuring the Lord's presence and blessing even as the circumstances were difficult and hard to understand. (Genesis 46:1-4)

Moses' introduction to God, through a burning bush that didn't burn up, again identifies God as the great I Am – the timeless God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob; and now Moses. Moses reply? "Here I am"; at first a hesitant acknowledgment of Jehovah as God – accompanied initially by a reluctance to do as he was told. Yet as his understanding and faith were increased by the power of his ever-present Lord, he became a confident leader capable of defying Pharaoh, inspiring his people and creating a nation. (Exodus 3)

Samuel, a prophet and judge of Israel, didn't understand as a young boy who it was that called to him. Even so, his response was – "Here I am"; indicating at least a willingness to listen, possibly an eagerness to learn and do. Upon being instructed on how to listen and respond correctly, he gained greater insight and an ability that enabled him to effectively lead others in God's will. (1 Samuel 3)

The prophet Isaiah heard God's voice in a vision asking, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" To which Isaiah immediately responded by saying, "Here I am. Send me!" God's need of a ready witness was filled by a man of understanding; anticipating a call, willing to serve. (Isaiah 6:8)

These men demonstrate a pattern of those used by God to accomplish great things. They weren't merely at the right place at the right time, but often placed themselves in the right place at the proper time. This in stark contrast to Adam and Eve, as well as countless others who followed their example, who knew God's will yet disobeyed anyway; now hearing God's voice and responding by hiding from his presence. If our relationship with God is expressed in availability for use by him (John 14:15–15:10); then he will respond to our need of him in kind. "Then you will call and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: 'Here I am.'" Isaiah 58:9

Mary, Jesus' mother, first responded to the angelic proclamation of virgin birth and salvation for mankind with fright and skepticism. 'What? Who are you – what are you saying – how can this be?' Which was subsequently changed to, 'OK, let's do this' as she accepted the reality of , "…nothing is impossible with God." - "I am the Lord's servant,…" (Luke 1:26-38)

The disciples displayed an almost unbelievable swiftness in responding to Jesus' call to, "Come, follow me." Whether or not their hearts had been prepared beforehand by prior contact with Christ, when the "official" call came to follow, they made themselves immediately available. (Matthew 4:18; Mark 2:13,14) This in contrast to the rich young man of Matthew 19:16 -28; a well-educated, law abiding person with an inquisitive mind. Yet one unable or unwilling to accept a call to serve something beyond material wealth and personal influence.

Saul the persecutor, later to become Paul the persecuted. His initial response to his encounter with Christ was, 'Who are you?' He thought he was serving God, but his reason was based on a partial knowledge of him. He was willing to serve but was misdirected in that service. Once his vision was corrected, he joyously responded; becoming not merely something different than he was but someone better than he had been. (Acts 7:54-60; 8:1-3; 9:1-22)

Which brings us to Jesus, the pre-existent, creative, sustaining word of God (John 1:1-4), as well as the pre-eminent example of God's will in action. (John 1:14) "Here I am – it is written about me in the scroll – I have come to do…", God's will. Hebrews 10:5-7

What can we learn from these examples of people who responded by declaring, 'Here I am Lord, use me/send me however and wherever you will!' What are we to do? "Go… tell…" (Isaiah 6:9; Matthew 18:19,20); is powerfully illustrated by some of Jesus' earliest disciples. As Jesus began his ministry among the people of Israel, he was recognized and identified by John the Baptist. Curious, several followed him, desiring to know more; Jesus called for them to, "Come, follow me." The first thing Andrew did was find his brother Simon, telling him about Jesus, taking him to see for himself. Philip likewise went and found Nathaniel, introducing him to the Lord as well. (John 1:35-51)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,…"; that we may be found faithful and generously rewarded with, "Well done, good and faithful servant!... Come and share your master's happiness." Hebrews 12:1 and Matthew 25:21

"Word from Scotland" from Sandy Shaw

"Lord God, You Have a Funny Way of Working at Times"