I’m using an app called Read Scripture to guide me through a read-the-Bible-in-a-year plan in 2019. I highly recommend the app! It provides frequent videos, which bring commentary and insight to each of the books. And it’s very customizable. You can start at any time and read at your own pace, if you prefer.
In the early books of the Old Testament, I’ve been struck again and again by two things. One, how swiftly God’s people replied when God called their name. And two, their immediate obedience when God told them His will.
For example, Abraham.
After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’
Genesis 22:1
I love Abraham’s immediate, “Here I am.” It reminds me of roll call in elementary school.
“Becky?” “Here!”
As soon as Abraham indicated that he was listening, God gave Abraham a terrifying assignment — to sacrifice His son, Isaac.
So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac.
Genesis 22:3
Abraham didn’t just rise to do what God had asked. He rose early.
How about Jacob?
God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob.’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’
Genesis 46:2
God told him not to be afraid to go down to Egypt. There, God would make him into a great nation.
Then Jacob set out from Beersheba.
Genesis 46:
The above instances brought to mind other, I’m listening, God moments in scripture. Here’s Samuel…
And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant hears.’
1 Samuel 3:10
The Lord then asked Samuel to deliver a sad prophecy to Eli the priest.
So Samuel told him [Eli] everything and hid nothing from him.
1 Samuel 3:18
Here’s Isaiah’s swift answer….
I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’
Isaiah 6:8
And here’s Mary’s rapid obedience when told by the angel Gabriel that she would bear God’s son…
I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants.
Luke 1:38
Friends, He’s still in the business of calling us by name.
When His holy voice speaks, “Becky” or “Amy” or “Sarah” or “Carolyn”, may our ears be tuned to hear Him. And may we immediately answer with, “Here I am, Lord.”
He’s still in the business of asking us to live out the purposes He has for us.
When He gives us an assignment, may our faith and reverence compel us to respond with obedience, to rise early the next morning to take action.
Has the Lord encouraged or emboldened you with a particular scripture recently?
Becky Wade
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Thank you for this, Becky! This is a timely post for me…and full of truth. I have 2 Bible apps on my phone, and while I really fight against all the negative in life that comes with a “smart phone”, I really appreciate some things…like these apps! There is no “reason” for me not to be in the Word daily and it’s now beyond convenient 🙂
Bless you!!
Julie
Right! At first, I’d use the app to point me to the day’s reading, then read from my Bible. But now I’ve taken to reading the scriptures within the app. It’s so handy!
Love your post today, Becky. I’ve been focused on listening for the Lord’s voice in my own life this year, so your thoughts really resonated with me. I love the point you made about Abraham rising early to set out with Isaac. He didn’t shy from what needed to be done. He charged ahead.
One of my resolutions this year was to get up 30 minutes earlier than usual and spend those extra 30 minutes in God’s Word and in prayer – creating a quiet opportunity to meet with God and listen without the noise of life getting in the way. Mark 1:35 shows Jesus cultivating this habit–Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed–What better example do we have? I can’t say that I truly enjoy getting up at 5:30 am, but when that early alarm goes off, my heart beats a little faster in anticipation of spending uninterrupted time with the God I love.
The Lord has been speaking to us on the same topic, Karen! For that reason, your recent post on this topic really spoke to me, too. We’re in sync. 🙂
I’ve been really struck by the way Joseph responded to his dreams surrounding the birth of Jesus, especially when he was instructed to flee to Egypt. “And he rose and took the child and his mother…” Matthew 2:14. No questions asked. Such an inspiring example of faith!
That’s a wonderful example, Emily!
Lovely post, Becky. I’m facing some health changes, and the Lord has given me some wonderful promises and encouragement this week, especially Isaiah 41: 9 – 13.
“‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Oh, Carrie! Those verses are so beautiful and encouraging. I shared verses from the POV of humans in the Bible in my post. But these words are especially impactuful because they share God’s perspective on the things we face. Love!
Beautiful reminder, Becky! Thank you for sharing with us these powerful scriptures that show the beauty and importance of having our ears tuned-in to the still small voice of the Master, ready to take action the instant he calls our names!!