Here I Am: Responding When God Calls Your Nameনমুনা

Jacob is the only person we find in the Bible who had two separate “here I am” moments. But before exploring those moments, let’s take a look at his background story.

Jacob was born to Isaac and had a twin brother, Esau. Jacob was born clasping to his brother’s heel, a picture of what was to come between the two brothers. His name means “heel-grabber” or “deceit,” if that tells you anything.

As an adult, Jacob and Esau had two experiences that further caused division in the family. In the first, Esau had been out hunting and came home hungry. Jacob had made some stew, and when Esau asked for some, Jacob offered it only if Esau would give him his birthright. The birthright being the double-portion of inheritance and role of the family priest. And Esau gave it to Jacob.

In the second instance, their father Isaac was thought to be on his deathbed. Isaac invited Esau in so that he could give him the blessing, which granted prosperity and the covenant line. When the boy’s mother, Rebekah, heard what was happening, she instructed Jacob to dress as Esau and go to Isaac to steal the blessing. What a mess, right?

Jacob did so and stole the blessing. When Esau heard he vowed to kill Jacob once their father died, so Jacob fled. Away from his family and towards his uncle Laban’s home. This experience would be where the tables would turn for Jacob; the deceiver would be deceived. Jacob fell in love with Laban’s daughter, Rachel, and after working seven years for her was given her older sister in marriage instead. Then, he had to work another seven years to marry Rachel.

Jacob’s first “here I am” moment took place after many years with Laban, after growing his family and acquiring some wealth. He had been through some hard stuff and matured in the process. Then, God called his name and told him to return to Esau. And even though last he heard his brother wanted to kill him, Jacob packed up his family and everything he owned to return to Esau. And when he did, Esau welcomed him back with open arms and reconciliation took place.

In Jacob’s second “here I am” he is older and his sons are all grown up. One of his favorite sons, Joseph, had been sold into slavery by his brothers. However, Jacob thought he was dead. After God raised Joseph to be second in command in Egypt, the brothers traveled there for refuge during a famine and met Joseph again. He told them to get their father and families and come to Egypt for safety. While Jacob traveled to Egypt, God met with him and confirmed that going to Egypt was the right thing to do. Not so easy when his inheritance and promised land was in the rearview mirror, but it led to reconciliation with his son, Joseph!

Your “here I am” could very well lead to reconciliation as Jacob’s did.