Salvation for Others

“This is what the Lord says: The Sovereign Lord declares—he who gathers the exiles of Israel: ‘I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered.’” Isaiah 56  Note the phrase, “still others.”

Israel was distressed, the northern kingdom had been conquered by Assyria and the Southern Kingdom was about to suffer terribly at the hands of the Babylonians. The news looked bad for the Sons of Jacob.

So God spoke his word to Israel through his chosen Prophet Isaiah to help them see into the heart of God.  God loved Israel, of course, but he also loved those beyond Israel, the languages and cultures that did not yet have a gospel witness.

At the heart of Isaiah’s prophecy was the evangelical imperative – God’s salvation was not for Israel alone, but for all people. God revealed to them that he will use them to bring the light of salvation to all peoples.  It is abundantly clear that God’s heart longed for the salvation of all people and he promised to look after and bless Israel so that they will be his witnesses to all those who are not included in Israel.

Chapter 56 of Isaiah is one of the most detailed and most convincing missionary books in all the Bible.  I am amazed to find these missionary visions embedded in the Old Testament.

I love these words, “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”  This is astounding.  People who have no hope like the outcast eunuchs of all nations will find in God’s Temple full acceptance as they express their love for God and do his will.  “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths…I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever.”  The Jews despised eunuchs, no matter what their culture or language.  I suppose it was hard for them to believe that God loves such people and that the God-loving eunuchs who love God and serve him have a place around His table of blessings together with the ritually pure Jews.

If there is a place for repentant people in the kingdom of God, there is certainly a place for all people to be so blessed.

So the Christmas songs ring out, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!”  The cup and the bread are for all, the invitation is out for all, and the responsibility of taking the Good News of God’s redeeming love is committed to those who are themselves redeemed by that same saving Blood.

May this holiday season find us carrying the delightful burden of making Christ known to all on earth.