And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” And he said to him, “Here I am.” – Genesis 37:13
As any parent can tell you, when your kids are young you spent a lot of time saying their names. I mean it. More than you ever think you will, their names will frequently be on your lips. That’s because when they are young, things need to be said to them directly. Over time, they will learn social cues and the meaning of “your look” but as toddlers, they need to be told forthrightly, and forthright conversation, requires attention. Hence, their names will become some of the most frequent words you say.
In our household, when we call our children’s names my husband and I have taught them to acknowledge that we’ve called them. Immediately upon hearing their moniker, they are supposed to respond “Yes, Mommy” or “Yes, Daddy.” This has very practical significance; we want to make sure that they hear us before we start talking to them. However, there is a parental concern as well. When they hear their name we want them to answer in the affirmative because we want to make sure that they are prepared to follow our instructions. With their words, and hopefully with their hearts, we want them to be ready to obey.
It’s a model that we see represented by many people in the Bible. When Israel called Joseph to go to his brothers who were tending their flocks, he immediately said “Here I am.” His words represented the commitment that he had made in his heart to do what his father would ask. Similarly, we see Samuel and Isaiah respond this way when God calls them. Their words weren’t intended to give their location; after all God knew where they were. Instead, their declaration was a verbal commitment that they were ready to hear from God and willing to do what He would call them to do. It’s an affirmation that they are prepared to do what God tasks them with, sometimes even before they know what it is.
And the same should be true for every Christian. Every follower of Christ should be ready and eager to say “here I am” to God. We should be eager to listen to His instructions and have hearts that are committed to doing His will. We need to be ready and eager to obey God even before we know the specifics of what He will require of us. Because He is good, we can trust that His commands will be too. Because He is God, we can trust that what He requires of us will be used for His Kingdom’s purposes.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)