As I have been studying the word Hineni, I noted that its first mention is in Genesis 22:1. God calls Abraham by name, and Abraham’s immediate reply is Hineni – Here I am.
I felt compelled to go back and read Genesis 12-22, to look at the relationship between Abraham and God. It helped me understand why Abraham answered, Hineni (indicating his willingness to do whatever God asked) when God called him that day. They had a relationship of friendship, of covenant, promises given, promises fulfilled. Abraham knew that what God said, He would do.
As I read Genesis 22:1-18, Abraham had no fear as he faced the test. He fully expected God to provide, and to return with his son. So much so that just as he raises the knife to sacrifice Isaac, he hears God calling and says once again, Here I am.
Abraham, the Father of our faith, believed God, he had faith in what he said, he trusted God. By doing that he had received his promised son, even though it was physically impossible. And God had promised that his generations would come through Isaac.
“By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test [while the testing of his faith was still in progress], had already brought Isaac for an offering; he who had gladly received and welcomed [God’s] promises was ready to sacrifice his only son, [Gen. 22:1-10.] Of whom it was said, Through Isaac shall your descendants be reckoned. [Gen. 21:12.] For he reasoned that God was able to raise [him] up even from among the dead. Indeed in the sense that Isaac was figuratively dead [potentially sacrificed], he did [actually] receive him back from the dead.”
Hebrews 11:17-19 AMPC
Because of Jesus this faith, this relationship with God is available to each one of us. He wants us to know Him, to learn that He is faithful. We do this by reading the Word, listening to Holy Spirit, praying (talking to and listening for God to speak to us).
He loves each one of us, He delights in revealing who He is and his good plans for us.
“[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins.”
Colossians 1:13-14 AMPC
“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.”
Jeremiah 29:11 AMPC
“Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].”
Hebrews 4:16 AMPC
Think about it: Do you know that He delights in you? What promises have you seen fulfilled? What are you expecting? What blessings have you received? What can you do to get to know Him more?
A Grateful Grace-full Life 