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Hark! There’s a word we don’t use or hear in our everyday language anymore. It definitely has that archaic and out-of-date sound to it.
But let me propose that it can still be a vital word for us when we think about and understand its meaning. What does it mean? Well, it means listen up! And listen up! Something big and important is about to be said.
Good word, Hark! Listen up! Listen up! Something big and important is about to be said.
And maybe nothing bigger nor more important could be said than, “The voice of Jesus is calling.” And that means the voice of Jesus is calling you.
And a very good question would be, “What is the voice of Jesus calling me to do?”
Hymn writer Daniel March, back in the 19th century, wanted to affirm what the voice of Jesus was calling us to do. He based his answer on the Bible passage known as “The Great Commission,” which is what Jesus, right before He ascended into heaven after his crucifixion and resurrection, told His disciples what their job was now to be.
It’s in Matthew 28. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And, behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (vss. 19-20)
With that “Great Commission,” that great directive from the voice of Jesus, as foundation, March wrote these beautiful, classic, poetic and metaphorical words. This hymn is in many of our Christian hymnals.
Hark, the voice of Jesus calling, “Who will go and work today?
Fields are white and harvests waiting, Who will bear the sheaves away?”
Loud and long the Master calls you; Rich reward He offers free.
Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I. Send me, send me”?
So, listen up! The voice of Jesus is calling us to bring others to Him, bring the harvest to Him. Jesus Himself used this agricultural metaphor when He spoke about this in Matthew 9 and Luke 10.
March continues, now denying any excuses we might offer in response.
If you cannot speak like angels, If you cannot preach like Paul,
You can tell the love of Jesus; You can say He died for all.
If you cannot rouse the wicked With the judgement’s dread alarms,
You can lead the little children To the Savior’s waiting arms.
March’s final verse ends with another strong appeal to respond and accept this important call from the voice of Jesus.
Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do.”
While the multitudes are dying And the Master calls for you.
Take the task He gives you gladly; Let His work your pleasure be.
Answer quickly when He calls you, “Here am I. Send me, send me!”
Here’s our take-away. Are you a believer in Jesus? Are you a disciple of His? Are you a member of a church? If so, you have a job to do. Bring others to Jesus. Invite anyone not connected to Jesus through a local church to come with you to your church and learn of the love of Jesus for their eternal salvation.
This could be your family and relatives or friends and acquaintances. Invite. Invite. Invite.
So, Hark! Say it with conviction, “Here am I. Send me, send me!”
And, by the way, if your excuse for not doing this is because you think this is only the pastor’s job. Oh, it’s their job alright. But not only theirs. So, Hark! Go to it! Amen!
Dr. Justin Kollmeyer is a thirty-nine-year resident of Fayette County. As a retired pastor, he is available for a Christ-centered, Biblical, traditional message or teaching. Contact him at [email protected]
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