Lord does not discriminate

ISAIAH    CHAPTER 56

The Lord tells his people to be just and fair to all and do what is right and good, for he is coming soon to rescue them. He blesses those who are careful to do this, blesses those who keep from doing wrong and he blesses those who honor the Sabbath day by refusing to work. Further, he blesses Gentiles and eunuchs who commit themselves to the Lord and accept his covenant.

The Lord calls all the wild animals of the fields and forests to devour his people. For the leaders of his people were the Lord's "watchmen, his shepherds are blind to every danger. They are described as silent watchdogs that give no warning when danger comes. They lie around sleeping and dreaming and they are as greedy as dogs, never satisfied. They are stupid shepherds, all following their own path, all of them intent on personal gain.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW:Isaiah proclaims the radical message that God's blessings are for ALL people. Previously Gentiles and eunuchs were excluded from worship and not considered citizens of Israel. No one must exclude in any way those God chooses to bless.

The "watchment" were the nation's leaders, blind to every danger. They were more concerned about satisfying their own greed.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? I'd like to tackle the last few verses of this chapter first. The one about the nation's leaders called "watchmen" who clearly fill their own pockets and do not lead their people away from danger. Do you see this same thing happening today? Yes, our "watchment' are given leadership and squander it in the same greedy ways as in the time of Isaiah. Pray for people in roles of leadership today. They need our help to stay on the path of righteousness. Politics and religion can live hand in hand, IF our leaders realize they must use their positions for the good of the people.

I just love the way the Old Testament brings in the honor of the Sabbath again and again. This seems to be a way of life that has gotten a bad rap on the ladder of life. Many people forget that this is a COMMANDMENT of God. I urge you to make the Sabbath a special day and spread the word. For some Israelites the Sabbath was Saturday, many today accept Sunday as the Lord's Day. Not working refreshes your senses. You may find time to read. You may find time to spend with family members and friends. You may find time to relax, read, pray and reflect on the things God intended for you. Get back to the basics and practice living the Sabbath the way God wants for you.

In this chapter, God makes a concrete statement which blesses ALL people including Gentiles and eunuchs who were previously excluded from worship with other people. God shows no descrimination and neither should we today. No matter what your race or social position. God chose to bless us all and we should honor that choice.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:



HEALTH: Pray for Gabe.


Pray for Arlene’s nephew David and for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life.


Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer and for her sister Wanda’s soul which went to heaven.


Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with a form of MS.


Pray for Robert Sargent who is quite ill with lung cancer.


Pray for Gary Summers, my friend from church, who has cancer.


Pray for Judy’s husband who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Pray for her too, that she can deal with the side effects of his illness.


Pray too for Charly’s husband Robert who is undergoing chemo for his prostate cancer. Update on Robert: he has one more treatment and then three months of waiting for his psat test to come back clean.


Pray for James’s sister Cynthia whose chemo has lost its effect as the cancer grows powerful.


SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary


RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John


LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian


SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.