Sermonette: Here I Am!
Answering a Call to Service
#1828s
James C. Stoertz
Given 19-Jul-25; 15 minutes
description: The Hebrew hinneh and the Greek idou translated "Here I am," is a declaration of humble readiness to serve. In a noisy world where self-interest and delay dominate, this marvelous phrase cuts through the clutter expressing obedience, trust, and selfless availability—even mirroring Almighty God's own name, "I AM." Moses made this declaration at the burning bush, Samuel made this declaration as a boy, as did Father Abraham, Joseph, and Jesus Christ. Each of these biblical luminaries, declaring "Here I am," stepped boldly into their divine purpose, contrasting with Father Adam's pathetic failure to respond in the Garden, demonstrating the devastating cost of hesitation. When we say "Here I am" today, we show our willingness to serve without knowing all the details, whether to Almighty God, our families, or to our neighbors. Declaring "Here I am" demonstrates our spiritual maturity, servanthood, and solemn covenant-like commitment as we proclaim, " I'm available, use me." When we respond to this call to action, we cultivate our hearts like fertile soil (Parable of the Sower) ready to receive godly seed enabling us to bear fruit, pushing us past convenience, self-interest, and hesitation, enabling us to step up in faith, realizing that Almighty God will equip us to fulfill whatever task He assigns.