“Here Am I, Send Me” Is Our Grateful Response to God’s Grace
- Jack Selcher
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
The Epistle of Romans explains the facts and implications of the gospel. It reveals what to believe and how to live. It includes both grace and responsibility.
In his letter, Paul identified himself as the servant of Jesus Christ. The punishment scars he bore in His service never diminished that obedience.
Jesus was a descendant of David (1 Chronicles 17:11-12). The resurrection proved He was the powerful Messiah and Son of God. Those who follow Him eventually experience pain.
Many men think Christianity is for women, children, and old people. They believe that one proves he is a real man by drinking, chewing, cussing, driving fast, and fighting anyone who challenges him.
Not so. Real men embrace the inevitable suffering that comes with openly identifying with Jesus.
Romans 1:5 describes a privilege and responsibility—grace and apostleship. God has forgiven you even though you do not deserve it. That is grace. He has something for you to do for Him. That is your responsibility.
Jesus charged Paul with sharing the message of grace with others, especially the Gentiles. Like him, your purpose is to serve God and others.
The Roman Christians accepted Jesus’ forgiveness. They centered their lives on doing His will (Romans 1:6). They were part of God’s much-loved family.
God called them to set their lives apart for His purposes. To share His purity. To separate from all that defiles. He calls you to do the same.
People noticed the faith of the Roman Christians. It was a topic of conversation everywhere.
Fast forward two thousand years. Today, the failings of the church are more likely to be a topic of conversation than its faith.
How do we get back on track? When will we emphasize our responsibility as much as the grace we have received?
Paul prayed that he would be able to travel to Rome safely and benefit the faith of Christians there, and they would do the same for him (Romans 1:10-12). God did not answer his prayer as he expected. The Romans arrested him, and he endured a shipwreck before he arrived in Rome.
I have experienced some detours too. God called me into vocational Christian service when I was twenty-one. I resisted.
Eleven years later, I became the pastor of a local church. God used those eleven years to prepare me for what was ahead—even while I was resisting His call. My forty years of ministry prepared me to influence millions of people for Christ during my retirement.
God has been preparing you to complete your responsibility, even if you have been neglecting it.
Like Paul, we are indebted to Jesus, who took our punishment on Himself on the cross. Salvation is by grace through faith in that sacrifice. We can never fully repay Him.
We show our gratitude for what He did for us by fulfilling our ministry responsibility. Have you said, “Here am I, send me” to whatever God wants you to do? He will accept a delayed “Here I am” to fulfill your purpose. He did it for me. What is your takeaway? See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.
God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 6,090 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 15,150 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting. https://www.christiangrowthresources.com/his-power-for-your-weakness
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