Disbursed to Gather

Scripture:
This is the declaration of the Lord God,
who gathers the dispersed of Israel:
"I will gather to them still others
besides those already gathered."
Isaiah 56:8

Observation: In several ways, Isaiah defines the mission of Messiah and of the priestly kingdom of Israel in chapters 55-56. The time is coming to head out with the message for all nations and all people to come to the Lord. They will be welcomed, forgiven, saved, and rewarded as children of God. This promise applies to all foreigners who choose faith in the Lord. And this mission is part of the dispersal of Israel, for the Lord would never send out his people without a resulting harvest, just like he doesn't send the rain without it watering the fields. How this will be done (captivity by foreign nations; crucifixion of Messiah) may be difficult to understand, but remember that God's ways are higher than our ways.

Application: This is the promise to me and all those around me ... that us Gentiles from other nations have been rightly gathered to the Lord, and that there remains work to do ... "still others besides those already gathered" are to be brought to the Lord.

My very life exists in the blessings of these chapters, that having been called and chosen faith in the Lord, I have an everlasting home and name. In addition, I have work to do ... to continue to be part of the disbursed believers, telling others of Jesus, so they may be gathered. I am part of the disbursed, to be a gatherer.

Just because I have been brought close, does not mean I am not still out there among the "foreigners" who may feel excluded, the ones who need to hear the offer to 'quit working so hard for that which does not satisfy, but come and receive without any cost that which will forever satisfy'.

Prayer: Lord, it is by your wisdom, mercy, and love that I have any hope at all, for I could have remained an outcast from your kingdom forever. Thank you for your great mercy. May I be your servant, sent out into the land of foreigners, with your good news on my lips. Amen.