Hineni, Abba. Send Me. (With Some Details, and a Plus One.)

A request for clarification, filed with Heaven

Abba, when I said “Hineni, send me, spend me” I meant every word of it, and I still do. I would just like it noted that “Here I am, send me” works best when somebody tells me where.

Isaiah said it in one breath (Isaiah 6:8). I’ve noticed he said it before hearing the assignment, which was to preach to people who wouldn’t listen. That’s either remarkable faith or a man who didn’t read the fine print. So here is my practical addendum.

Is There a Map?

Abraham got “the land I will show you,” and Jonah got a ship going the opposite way. Neither is a map. I’d settle for a somewhat general direction.

Is There a Budget?

I’m not asking for much, only bus fare and a packed lunch. Elijah got room service from the ravens (1 Kings 17:4-6), and I’d take that too. Although I’d prefer a more seemly bird. Maybe a dove, a quail, or a sparrow?

What’s the Timeline?

Moses said “Here I am” at the burning bush (Exodus 3:4), and then asked five questions. I used to think that was cowardice. Now I think he was just ahead of me on project management.

Does It Clash With Thursday?

I have a dentist appointment. I’d rather not argue with You about it. I’m only asking if it’s okay to keep it. I’m not too fond of dentists anyway, except for the ones that are friends and don’t touch my teeth.

Will There Be a Pit?

Joseph said “Here I am” when his father sent him to check on his brothers (Genesis 37:13), and ended up in a pit, then a caravan, then a prison. I’m not complaining. I know that it worked out spectacularly for him. I’d just like to know in advance whether to pack a coat.

And Could I Have a Plus One?

Abba, here’s my real request. I noticed something while reading all this. Nobody on the ark went alone. Even the animals got a plus one and went in two by two (Genesis 7:9). Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs (Luke 10:1). Moses had Aaron and Hur holding up his arms when his own gave out (Exodus 17:12). Priscilla and Aquila went on mission as a couple, and Paul says they risked their necks for his life (Romans 16:3-4).

You said it Yourself in the garden: it isn’t good for us to be alone (Genesis 2:18). Then Solomon, who knew a lot about loneliness, wrote that two are better than one, because if one falls, the other can lift him up. And a cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

So, Abba, I’d like to be sent with the person You have in mind. Either with that man that You promised me as my spouse years ago, or with a ministry partner that complements me. You know, it’s a lot easier for two people to read a map together. And I’d like You in the middle, as the third strand holding everything together as Jedidiah said.

I’ll even compromise. I don’t need a perfect partner, only one who will hold up my arms when they get tired, and let me hold up theirs in return.

What You Actually Promise Us

You don’t answer my questions the way I want. You answered Moses with “I will be with you.” You answered Gideon with a fleece, twice. You answered the disciples with a question: “When I sent you without purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing” (Luke 22:35).

So here is my revised prayer. Hineni. Send me. I’d still like a map, but I’ll go without one, because You’ve never once sent anyone with nothing. I’ll find out what I need on the way, and I’ll thank You for it when I do. And yes, yes, I will pick up things others have dropped too. I’ll do it for You, Abba.

Hineni, Abba. Here I am. Send me, and send me with my other strand. And please keep the ravens, ahem quail, on standby.

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