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May 3 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 123

DAILY READINGS

Isaiah 55-57 & Psalm 119:129-152

DAILY NOTES

Isaiah 55

  • An open invitation for all of God's people to experience the new life God is offering.
  • This particular invitation to freedom is one that God is offering now; the people should call upon God now.  That doesn't mean God hides away after all this.  The prophet is speaking to the urgency and immediacy of the people's deliverance.
  • The people will joyfully return from exile.  Even Creation will celebrate their return (vs 12).
  • No longer will there be suffering of this kind (thorn and brier).  Rather, the people can expect peace when they return.
Isaiah 56
  • God's invitation is for all people.  The "foreigner" can find refuge in God's land, in God's promise.  The eunuch is an example of someone who is on the margins of society.  They, too, are welcome.  
    • Notice the repeated priority of keeping sabbath.
  • This is one my favorite ideas of what the church is supposed to be: for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations (v7).
Isaiah 57
  • Don't forget to get rid of the idols!  Their practices are driving a wedge between you and God.
  • The chapter concludes with a promise that God will help and heal those who follow him.  There is, however, no peace for the wicked.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

MLK once said that 11 o' clock on  Sunday mornings is the most segregated hour in the Christian church.  That had particular truth for his days as he and others battled segregation.

But it's still somewhat true for us today, perhaps for other reasons.  We get used to our company.  For good reason, we like being with people we know and love.  But we often, without realizing it, end up excluding others.

Unfortunately, when we're not extremely careful, we can perpetuate the filters that the world around us sets in place.  People who have the right amount of money (they're probably good givers) are welcome.  People who have the right amount of kids (because that's what we need) are welcome.  People who are ready to serve on a committee (because that's the highest point of Christian service) are welcome.

Too many times we're hoping and looking for the right kind of people to be in our churches.  Let me just tell you that is one of the most ungodly things about the church today.  And please believe me when I tell you those are real sentiments of some Christians today.

God's welcome from Isaiah 56 should be the welcome God's church today has.  All are welcome.  We don't care how much money you make.  We don't care what's in your past.  Everyone belongs!

And since everyone belongs, we treat each other as such.  We welcome each other into our fellowships.  We break bread together.  We go out of our way to extend Christian hospitality and fellowship to the outcasts and "foreigners" of today.

That's how we become a house of prayer for all peoples.  

Stay blessed...john




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