THE STORY OF JESUS: Isaiah 17-20
“The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, ‘Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.’” (Isaiah 19:25)
These words would have been hard for God’s people to hear.
Isaiah is saying that one day even their enemies will be God’s family.
We have a glimpse of God’s ultimate goal, to restore His whole family.
God’s purpose for Israel from the start was to bless the nations.
“All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3)
And one day His dream will come true: “A great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9)
Through Jesus, God’s family has expanded to include all nations.
There is no room for racism, every person is a part of God’s dream.
Even our enemies, even those who we struggle with, even sinners (like us).
As Jesus followers, we see how Jesus relates to all people, by grace.
And we share God’s dream that ALL people will stand before Him one day!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see others like You see them. May our church more and more reflect a community of grace where everyone is welcome, everyone belongs.