This is a good question. I thought that maybe the promise of salvation for the Gentiles (non-Jews) was an Old Testament thing, but I was sorely mistaken. When I read Isaiah 56, I discovered that the heart of God is changeless.
Before you read any further in this article, I suggest you read Isaiah 56 and seek God’s heart.
This is what the LORD says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand, and my righteousness will soon be revealed. Blessed is the one who does this – the person who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps their hands from doing any evil.” Let no foreigner who is bound to the LORD say, “The LORD will surely exclude me from His people.” Isaiah 56:1-3a NIV
Introduction
Isaiah 56 is a powerful chapter highlighting God’s inclusive love and promises to all people, including foreigners. It speaks to the heart of God’s desire for justice and righteousness and His embrace of those who seek Him, regardless of their origin. It is a profound testament to God’s care for all humankind and honest intentions for redemption and reconciliation.
God’s Care and Promises to Foreigners
Isaiah 56:1-8 outlines God’s promises to foreigners who choose to follow Him and keep His covenant. The passage begins with a call to maintain justice and do what is right, for God’s salvation is close.
The Call to Righteousness
In Isaiah 56:1-2, God calls His people to uphold justice and righteousness, emphasizing the imminent arrival of His salvation. This call extends beyond the Israelites to all who seek God’s ways.
Acceptance of Foreigners
Isaiah 56:3-7 contains God’s explicit acceptance of foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, serve Him, and hold fast to His covenant. God promises these individuals a place in His house, declaring He will give them “a name better than sons and daughters,” signifying a deep and abiding relationship with Him.
Inclusivity in Worship
The passage proclaims inclusive worship, where God will bring foreigners who honor the Sabbath and serve Him to His holy mountain, to rejoice in His house of prayer. Isaiah 56:7 famously states, “For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations,” indicating that God’s temple is open to all who seek Him.
We see Jesus quoting these words when he cleared out the temple and drove out all those buying and selling in the temple courts, overturning the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. All four gospels record this event.
While the Gospels do not specify what part of the temple He cleared, many scholars suggest this likely occurred in the outer court, also known as the Court of the Gentiles, where non-Jews were allowed to enter.
If true, it adds a whole new element to our understanding of God’s heart. Jesus for all people: His house should be called a house of prayer for all nations.
Gathering of All People
Isaiah 56:8 concludes with God’s promise to gather all people to Him, including those who have been excluded. This profound promise of unity and acceptance reflects God’s comprehensive plan for salvation and reconciliation.
Understanding What This Means for Us Foreigners
As Gentiles, Isaiah 56 offers a clear message of hope and inclusion. Isaiah 56 assures us that God’s love and promises transcend ethnicity and heritage. By examining this chapter, we can better understand God’s intentions for a diverse and inclusive community of believers.
God’s Universal Invitation
Isaiah 56 emphasizes that God’s invitation to salvation is universal. It underscores the importance of faith and obedience, rather than lineage, as the basis for inclusion in God’s family. This message resonates with Gentiles, affirming God’s welcoming of us into His covenant through our commitment to Him.
Rejection of Exclusivity
The chapter rejects the notion of exclusivity based on nationality or descent. It teaches us that God’s kingdom is open to all who seek to live according to His principles of justice and righteousness – according to His Word. As Gentiles, this reassures us that we are valued members of God’s community, irrespective of our background.
The Value of Commitment
Isaiah 56 also highlights the importance of commitment to God’s covenant. For Gentiles, our adherence to God’s Word and dedication to serving Him defines our relationship. It encourages us to uphold the Sabbath, pursue justice, and live in righteousness.
Applying it to Our Lives
Isaiah 56 offers valuable lessons that can be applied to our lives as Gentiles. By embracing the principles outlined in this chapter, we can foster a deeper connection with God and contribute to a more inclusive and just community.
Embrace Inclusivity
We are called to embrace inclusivity in our worship and daily interactions. By recognizing that God’s love extends to all people, we can create a welcoming environment for others, irrespective of their background. This means actively reaching out to those who may feel excluded and ensuring that our communities reflect God’s inclusive love.
Uphold Justice and Righteousness
Isaiah 56 encourages us to uphold justice and righteousness in our lives. This involves advocating for the oppressed, acting with integrity, and striving to live by God’s Word. By doing so, we honor God’s call and contribute to a world that mirrors His principles.
Commit to God’s Covenant
The passage underscores the importance of commitment to God’s covenant. Gentiles can demonstrate our dedication by observing the Sabbath, praying, and serving God wholeheartedly. This commitment strengthens our relationship with God and affirms our place in His family.
Create a House of Prayer
Let’s create welcoming worship spaces for everyone. By fostering inclusive worship environments, we can reflect the valid message of Isaiah 56 and ensure everyone can become intimate with God. We can achieve this through welcoming congregations, diverse worship practices, and a focus on unity.
Conclusion
Isaiah 56 offers a profound reminder of God’s care and promises to all people, including foreigners. It highlights the importance of inclusivity, justice, and commitment to God’s covenant. As Gentiles, we can apply these principles to our lives, ensuring we reflect God’s love and righteousness in our actions and relationships. By doing so, we honor God’s universal invitation and contribute to a community that embodies His divine plan for redemption and reconciliation.
Reflection
- What was the most meaningful statement or Scripture you read today?
- Reword the statement or Scripture as a prayer response to the Lord.
- What does the Lord want you to do in response to today’s blog?
“If everyone who worked for the conversion of others was to introduce them immediately to prayer and to the interior life and made it their main aim to win over their hearts, innumerable, permanent conversions would definitely take place. ~ Madame Guyon
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