Today’s scripture: Isaiah 56:1-8 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
I have led a Discipleship 101 &102 class here at LifeJourney Church every year for about 15 years. Have I really been here that long? I love the variety of people, backgrounds, religious histories (or no church history), the various and unique journeys we have all been on throughout life, no matter how young or old. What is common when I lead these classes is the way many people have felt about entering the doors of LifeJourney Church. “It’s a breath of fresh air…” “I can be myself…” “People are friendly and genuine…” “I love how the services are life giving…” “I like the church’s roots in justice activities…” “Pastor Jeff’s jokes are so bad… but I can’t help but listen to the train wreck.” Yes, that last one has been a comment a time or two as well.
People come to LifeJourney at various places in life. At a crossroads, not happy with previous churches, feeling excluded from church, wanting a more progressive place to worship where they won’t be judged, etc. The list goes on.
I am not trying to say we are the perfect church, because there is no such thing. But today’s passage provides many clues as to what it means to be God’s people and God’s place of worship. I am paraphrasing here:
Verse 1: Maintain justice, and do what is right.
Verse 2: Happy is the one who does justice, what is right, and refrains from wrong.
Verse 3: God does not separate or divide us.
Verse 4: Those who choose what I choose are my people.
Verse 5: No one shall be cut off; we are all equally important.
Verse 6: All who reach out to others for the sake of God’s love.
Verse 7: I will accept them and all people; my (God’s) house is a house of prayer for all.
Verse 8: I (God) will gather all the outcasts and bring them to my house.
This is a lot to live up to. We are not the perfect church. But we strive for this. I pray that God will work with us, and the Holy Spirit will speak to us, so we can live up to all the ways that we can be better, and do better, in being God’s House of Prayer for All. It takes all of us, not just some of us.
Thought for the day: What is my part in making LifeJourney Church God’s house of prayer?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.