When the Church Refuses to Stand Back
**This podcast is taken from our Global Video Report: EMPOWER CONNECT March 2025 Edition**
When the Church Refuses to Stand Back
Scripture: Genesis 22, Exodus 3, Isaiah 6
RON:
Hello friends, and welcome to The Unshakable Church. Today, I want to talk about a word from the Old Testament that carries incredible significance for us right now. That word is hineni.
A Word for This Moment
Hineni means, “Here I am.” But it is more than just being present. It means, “I am willing. I am ready. I am fully available.” This word has been coming to my attention because of what I am seeing around the world today. As everything seems to be shaking — turmoil, tension, violence, uncertainty — something else is happening at the same time. Young people are stepping forward. They are moving into ministry, into evangelism, into discipleship. Their faith is no longer casual. They are taking responsibility to share the Gospel. They are, in essence, saying hineni.
A Personal Turning Point
I remember when I first encountered this idea as a teenager. I heard a message from Isaiah chapter 6, and it changed my life. It has never left me. The focus was on this simple but powerful response:
“Here I am.” When God calls, that response moves us into action. It leads us to give our lives for others. And today, that same response is rising all over the world.
Abraham: Obedience Without Understanding
The first example is Abraham in Genesis chapter 22. God calls his name, and Abraham responds, hineni. This was not a casual answer. It meant complete availability, even when the situation made no sense. Later, when God stops him from sacrificing Isaac, Abraham responds the same way again. “I am here. I am listening. I am ready to obey.”
Moses: A Call That Changes History
Next is Moses in Exodus chapter 3. At the burning bush, God calls his name, and Moses answers, hineni. This was not just acknowledgment. It was acceptance of a massive calling — to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. It was a moment that would change history.
Isaiah: Send Me
Then we come to Isaiah in chapter 6. God asks, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah responds, “Hineni. Send me.” This is a full surrender. A willingness to step into a difficult and costly calling without hesitation.
What Hineni Really Means
When we look at these examples together, we begin to understand the depth of this word. Hineni means being fully present — spiritually, emotionally, and physically. It means recognizing the seriousness of the moment and giving God your full attention. It means readiness to serve. A willingness to act when God calls. It also means surrender and trust. Abraham, Moses, and Isaiah did not know all the details of what lay ahead. But they trusted God enough to take the next step. This is deep faith. In the New Testament, this is similar to being a bondservant of Jesus — fully given over to His will. And it carries accountability. It is standing before God and saying, “I will obey.”
A Picture of Being All In
Let me give you an illustration. I have never gambled in my life. But I understand enough about poker to know this: There comes a moment when someone is so certain of what they hold that they push all their chips to the centre of the table. They are all in. That is what I am seeing around the world today. Believers are taking everything — their lives, their future, their resources — and placing it before God. They are saying, “I trust You. I am all in.”
A Church That Must Step Forward
This is what we need in Canada, in the United States, in Western Europe — everywhere. God is calling His Church out of complacency. There is no better time than now. In places where the Gospel is advancing rapidly, believers are laying aside casual commitment. They are living with courage and sacrifice. They are saying, “I will do whatever it takes.” Thousands are stepping forward into ministry. They are saying, “Here I am.”
Not Just for the Young
This is not only for young people. Many listening today are older, like me. This is not the time to step back or become comfortable. This is the time to lead. You never retire from being a Christian. Around the world, the leaders I work with never retire. They may slow down physically, but they continue to pray, teach, disciple, and encourage. They remain faithful to the end.
A Word to Leaders
I also want to speak to pastors and leaders. Many are doing an excellent job. But some have grown passive. We are called to lead by example. We must be bold. We must be active in prayer, in teaching, in worship, in service. We must show the next generation what it means to be fully committed.
A Call to Be All In
One day, we will stand before the Lord. And I want to hear those words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” But it begins with this response. Hineni. Here I am. I am all in.
