Inclusion of The Gentiles

Isaiah 56:1–12
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God commanded His people to rest and honor Him on the Sabbath (Ex 20:8-11). For the Israelites this special day was the Sabbath (Saturday) (vv. 1-2). He wants us to serve Him every day, but he wants us to make one day special when we rest and focus our thoughts on Him. Many Christians today accept Sunday (the day of the week that Jesus rose from the dead) as the Lord’s day, a day of rest and honoring God.Isaiah clearly proclaims that believing foreigners will be blessed (vv. 3-8). Redeemed Gentiles, though not in the covenant family of Israel, can still receive God’s blessing. Even foreigners and eunuchs who join themselves to the Lord are welcome. They show their devotion and honor to the Lord by their service, worship, and obedience. God promised Abraham, through him all peoples of the world will be blessed (Gen. 12:3).

The watchman were the nation’s leaders. The leaders of Israel were blind to every danger (vv. 9-11). Apathetic about their peoples needs, they were more concerned about satisfying their own needs. Leader’s special privileges can cause leaders either to sacrifice for the good of their people or to sacrifice their people for their own greed. Concerned only with their own pleasure, they failed to consider that judgment will come (v. 12).

Application

Whatever your race, social position, work, or financial situation , God’s blessings are as much for you as for anyone else. I must never exclude in any way those God chooses to include.