Here I Am!

I was ready to be sought out by those who did not ask, to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, "Here I am, here I am," to a nation that did not call on my name. Isaiah 65:1 NRSV

This seems like a very modern scripture. The image I have is of a busy city street with plenty of people and traffic. God is right there. God is completely and totally available. Yet God is ignored.  I can see God standing on the corner announcing God's presence but everyone bustles by without even turning their heads. I see God standing with an outstretched arm, hoping someone, anyone, will notice and grab God's hand. Instead, everyone goes out of their way to avoid even touching God.

I find this to be a very sad verse about total rejection. God says that God was ready for someone to ask for God but no one did. God was ready for someone to seek God, but no one was. No one was interested in taking advantage of God's availability.

Perhaps we should make that more present tense.

God is ready for someone to ask about God.

God is ready for someone to seek God.

God stands availalbe, 24/7.

God reaches out, crying, "Here I am! Here I am!"

Are you wanting, seeking, listening, and ready?

Do you know someone who is? Do you know someone who is not?

Let's pray: God, you are ready for us. You are ready for the lost. Yet, so many of us are not asking, seeking, and reaching for you. Help us to respond to you. We especially pray for those who do not know you at all. May they turn and see you there. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims