Isaiah 56
-There is a distinct contrast
between those who preserve justice and do righteousness out of fear and love
for the LORD and wicked who know nothing, are blind, slumbering, greedy, not
satisfied, have no understanding, have turned their own way, love unjust gain,
and are drunkards. The blessed man is the one who does the things of God. He
takes hold of it; He keeps from profaning the Sabbath; He keeps his hands from
doing evil; He joins himself to the LORD; He chooses what pleases God; He holds
fast His covenant. These will be given a memorial and a precious name within
the Kingdom of God’s house and walls. Even the foreigners who connect to the
LORD will benefit as well. These will minister to Him and love the Name of the
LORD holding fast His covenant along with the house of Israel. These will be
brought to the LORD’s holy mountain and be made joyful in His house of prayer.
Their offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on His altar; “for My house
will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.” The LORD will gather His
anointed from Israel and the rest of the world in this future utopia (Isaiah
56:1-12).” Christ Jesus takes up this statement from Isaiah when He gets angry
at the buyers and sellers in the Temple court hundreds of years later during His
first incarnation. His distinction clarifies for us between the pure in heart
who are actually seeking God and those who are the wicked seeking unjust gain
(Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-17, Luke 19:45-46). *Application* There will be
an incredible reward for following God in obedience. His ways are pure,
righteous, and just. Seek Him all people of the world! His house is a house of
prayer (connection, presence, communication, abiding, union). This is His
glory!
Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 56:7
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