I'm glad you're back to open your mind to some more God-thoughts! The conversation with God for today is centering around Isaiah 56:1-8. What is he trying to communicate to you?
Let no foreigner who has bound himself to the LORD say, "The LORD will surely exclude me from his people. . . . for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." (v. 3, 7)
The Jews always had a hard time accepting the fact that they weren't the only nation that God loved. God had chosen them to specially represent him to the rest of the world, but God's sights were always set on the whole world, not just Israel. Gentiles (non-Jews) were excluded from the inner court of worship in the temple. There was an outer section called the Court of Gentiles where they had to stay. It was like being in coach when the Jews were all in first-class. But God didn't intend to leave them there. His plan was to welcome them into honored places in his family. . . something that would only happen through the new covenant brought in by Jesus.
I'm so glad that I'm not a second-class citizen in God's Kingdom! I'm thankful for the way he has honored and included me with full rights as one of his sons! God, you have been so good to me!
At the same time, I realize that I can repeat the same spirit of exclusion that the Jews had of the Gentiles. I wonder what people group--what ethnicity or social class--feels like they don't belong in our faith community? And what can we do about it? How can we better recognize and reflect that the U.S. doesn't have the corner on Jesus? I could start by praying more for the nations to know Jesus. I could support my church's mission efforts to places outside our own region. I can intentionally walk across the room and extend my hand of friendship to people of other ethnicities than I am, invite them into my life, learn about them and their customs. I could invite them to worship with me.
Father, help me to learn to love and value all kinds of people and all nations of people as you do. Forgive any hint of prejudice or nationalism that smacks of false pride and makes others feel excluded. Thank you for being a God who loves not just Pearland, not just the U.S., but the world. Amen.
Please share your comments with us! Your insights are welcome!
I am not happy to admit that this is one of my many shortcomings. I too, need to learn how to love all people as God does, for I am no better than anyone. God is supernaturally removing the blinders from my eyes, so that I may see as He sees, love how He loves, and actually, He is having to teach me, all over again, a new style of life. Lord please change my heart, my mind, my narrow minded thinking. Please use me to follow through on Your will, friends please pray for me, that God opens my eyes to better serve HIM and not myself. In Jesus' mighty name AMEN
ReplyDeletePraying for you and us all, Kristal! Thank you for being transparent. Your open heart before God is the key to being pliable material in his hands.
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