Here Am I

Jesus challenges His disciples with a penetrating statement in John 4:35. He says, “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” He then says in verse 36, “And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.”

Long before Jesus came, God had asked a penetrating question. It, and the answer given, is found in Isaiah 6:8, “Also 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.’”

Many have answered that call. Many more need to. It is up to each of us to preach and teach the good news of Jesus Christ. The following song was written by Doug Lalli and Charles Martin some years ago.

Here Am I
The call’s gone out to all the world;
It’s time to spread the Word.
God’s grace abounds with hope and joy
For those that love the Lord.
So, Christians, RISE and take your stand;
You are the chosen few.
The time is now, the place is here;
And we cry . . . Here Am I.

Chorus
Here am I … Use me, Lord
Here am I … Use me, Lord
Here am I … Take my life
Here am I … Take my life
Here am I … Made for service, Lord
Here am I … Made to serve
Here am I … Here am I
Lord, Here am I

The lost cry out wrapped up in sin;
They need to know the Lord.
They’re dying in their hopeless state;
Not knowing of His Word.
The future’s dim, the light is gone’
They'll die apart from Him.
So Christians feel the awesome need;
And please cry … Here Am I.

Think about these words and the two passages of scripture above. God is still asking “Whom shall I send, and who will go…” and Jesus is still saying to us “look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest.” How will you respond?

It is still an individual responsibility to take the Word of God to those who are lost. Will we say, “Here am I”?

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony