And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” (Heb. 2:13)
Expanded Passage: Hebrews 2:1-18
“Well, here we are,” is a useless phrase I frequently use in awkward or perplexing situations when I don’t know what else to say. My kids noticed and turned it into a family joke. Usually, when it’s come to “here we are,” we’re in a pickle.
However, “Here I am” is a powerful phrase in the Bible. It is often used after God calls a person by name: “Abraham! Abraham!” And Abraham replies, “Here I am” (Gen. 22:11); “Jacob.” Jacob answers, “Here I am” (Gen 31:11); “Moses! Moses!” . . . “Here I am” (Ex. 3:4). In these instances, those speaking mean they are ready to respond and prepared for action. When God called Isaiah, he responded, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isa. 6:8). Perhaps, “Well, here we are” isn’t such a useless phrase after all.
“Here I am” is a natural response to God’s “I Am” self-revelation (Ex. 3:14). He came first and is with us all along the way.
The “Here am I” in today’s reading refers to Christ’s fulfillment of Isaiah 8:18, echoing the burning bush revelation. and declaring that he is the one standing ready to respond alongside his children who do the same, as “signs and symbols” of his gracious love. In every perplexing situation, we are reminded that our Savior stands beside us to intervene, help, and guide. In response, the best thing we can say is “Well, here we are!”
Listen for God’s “Here I am” and respond in kind.
Mark O. Wilson serves as Division of Religion chair at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
