Isaiah 56: Ground Level at The Cross

Introduction: Isaiah 56 spotlights God’s divine plan for His people, emphasizing the inclusion of all who choose to follow Him. It serves as a reminder that God’s love and salvation are not limited to a specific group or ethnicity but are available to all who are willing to accept and obey His commandments. The chapter encourages individuals to live righteously and to keep the Sabbath holy, promising blessings and inclusion in God’s covenant to those who do so. It also warns against complacency and the dangers of corrupt leaders who lead people astray. Overall, Isaiah 56 serves as a call to action for all believers to live a life that honors God and to be a part of His divine plan.

I. Isaiah 56:1-2 – The Blessings of Righteousness
The chapter begins with a call to maintain justice and do what is right, promising blessings to those who keep the Sabbath and hold fast to the covenant. This section echoes the sentiments of Psalm 106:3, which states, “Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right.” It also aligns with Ezekiel 20:20, which emphasizes the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy as a sign of the covenant between God and His people.

II. Isaiah 56:3-5 – Inclusion of the Foreigner and Eunuch
God declares that foreigners and eunuchs who choose to follow Him will not be excluded from His blessings. This message of inclusion is seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Acts 8:26-39, where the Ethiopian eunuch is baptized and welcomed into the Christian community. It also reflects God’s promise in Genesis 12:3, where He tells Abraham that all peoples on earth will be blessed through him.

III. Isaiah 56:6-8 – A House of Prayer for All Nations
The Lord promises to bring all who join themselves to Him to His holy mountain and make His house a house of prayer for all nations. This prophecy is fulfilled in Mark 11:17, where Jesus declares the temple to be a house of prayer for all nations. It also aligns with 1 Kings 8:41-43, where Solomon prays for God to hear the prayers of foreigners who come to the temple.

IV. Isaiah 56:9-12 – Warning Against Corrupt Leaders
The chapter concludes with a warning against the leaders of Israel who are described as blind watchmen and ignorant shepherds. This section is reminiscent of Ezekiel 34:2-10, where God condemns the shepherds of Israel for their negligence and self-interest. It also echoes Jesus’ warning in Matthew 7:15, where He cautions against false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but are inwardly ravenous wolves.

Conclusion:
Isaiah 56 presents a enlightening message of God’s divine plan that is inclusive of all who choose to follow Him. It emphasizes the importance of righteousness, the keeping of the Sabbath, and the inclusion of all people in God’s covenant. The chapter serves as a reminder that God’s love knows no bounds and that His salvation is available to all who are willing to accept it. It also warns against the dangers of complacency and corrupt leadership, urging believers to remain vigilant and faithful to God’s commandments.