Abraham provides an example of what it means to be available to God. Twice in Genesis 22, God called out to Abraham, and Abraham replied, “Here I am.” They had conversations because of their relationship. James 2: 23 Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God.[1]
Abraham’s faith allowed him to be a friend of God. As a friend, Abraham was available to follow God’s instructions. The first conversation in our story was a test and a call to a difficult task. I don’t think this was Abraham’s favorite dialog with God.
Genesis 22:1Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called.
“Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.”
2 “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” [2]
The Second Conversation
The angel of God broke in with instructions at a critical time. I think this conversation was a welcome one. Genesis 22:11At that moment the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”
“Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!”
12 “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.” [3]
The second conversation could not have happened had Abraham not obeyed the instructions from the first.
Friends are Available for Each Other
Jesus tells us He gave His life for us because of His love for us. John 15:13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.[4] Because of our friendship with Jesus, we want to follow His instructions.
Often, we think of God’s call into ministry to be for pastors or missionaries. Yet, God calls each of us to be available for His work. He often asks us to do things we can’t do on our own. We will need his strength to accomplish the task. We need to be available to God as His friend.
Dan Schutte wrote a song about answering God’s call. The verses are God’s part of the conversation, while the chorus is the faithful believer’s response. The chorus goes like this:
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.[5]
We can always count on God to be faithful. He will empower and enable those who answer His call. Be available for the adventure God calls you to. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-beyond-understanding
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[5] https://www.songfacts.com/lyrics/dan-schutte/here-i-am-lord