Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

“Thus says the Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, I will gather others to them besides those already gathered.” vs. 8

Some might wonder why so many of the Old Testament scriptures that are read in our congregations on a weekly basis come from the book of Isaiah. If we’ve been paying attention, the answer should be obvious. Isaiah was Jesus’ favorite! Not only was Isaiah the scroll that he chose to read when he came to his home synagogue in Nazareth, he seems to have used Isaiah as a guide for much of his other teaching and preaching.

In the part of Isaiah chosen for this week’s reading, the emphasis is one that Jesus most certainly carried in his heart as a guide for ministry. He too had a heart for the outcasts of Israel, and he focused his attention on those rejected by the religious people of his day. And wherever he went it was those misfits, the sinners and tax collectors, who flocked to hear what he had to say. Eventually Jesus even reached out to non-Jews, Romans and Gentiles, to offer his healing touch.

Anyone in our day who has the slightest interest in walking in the way of Jesus will do the same. While it’s comfortable to reach out to those like ourselves, it’s the refugees, the needy, and the poor who will be our focus. Such ministry is never easy, but it’s what true followers of Jesus will hold close to their hearts.

Thought for the Day: What scriptures are my favorites?