Lessons from Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and Jesus
A reoccurring statement in the Bible is “Here I am.”
This was often said to God when he calls out or speaks to one of his children.
- Twice, when God called to Abraham, Abraham responded with,“Here I am.” [Genesis 21:1 and 22:11]
- Abraham’s grandson Jacob had similar experiences.Once an angel came to Jacob in a dream (on God’s behalf) and another time God spoke to Jacob in a vision at night. Both times Jacob replied by saying, “Here I am.” [Genesis 31:11 and 46:2]
- Some 400 hundred years later, God spoke from the midst of a burning bush and Moses said, “Here I am.” [Exodus 3:4]
Abraham, Jacob, and Moses were all expectantly ready to listen to God.We need to do the same.
Later Jesus said, “Here I am” in obedience to do the will of his father. [Hebrews 10:7-9, which is quoting the prophetic text in Psalm 40:7.]
Lastly, this phrase is spoken to us by Jesus. He says,
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” [Revelation 3:20]
Jesus is saying that he is ready for us; he is waiting; all we need to do is open the door for him.
Read more in Peter’s devotional Bible study, A New Heaven and a New Earth: 40 Practical Insights from John’s Book of Revelation.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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