“6…everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant—7these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” – Isaiah 56:6-7 (ESV)
Here it is made clear that acceptance is for everyone. Not just those that are a part of the right religious sect, or upbringing, or country of origin, or understood group; but everyone who satisfies the basic criteria, “keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant” (Those who accept the gift of salvation from Christ and live that gift each day).
Talk about inclusion. I can be of another country, I can be from the other side of the tracks, I can look different from you, I can act different from you, I can be of/from a different socio-economic group, and I can drive a different vehicle and still be accepted.
“8The Lord God, who gather the outcasts of Israel, declares, ‘I will gather yet others to him besides those already gathered.’” – Isaiah 56:8 (ESV)
And He is not done with just those that have come so far.
So, if you have felt that you don’t belong, you don’t look the same, you don’t act the same, you are just different, God loves you as well as those around you and you are welcome to come to Him and be accepted.
Are you feeling as an outcast? Are you aware that you are accepted? Are you aware and spreading that ALL are accepted by God?
Trevor's Thoughts 