July 28: Isaiah 53-56; 2Peter 2

Scripture: Isaiah 56: 7 these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

Observation: ” I will … give them joy in my house of prayer.” The house of prayer is a place of joy. It is a place of God-given joy! There we find the joy of fellowship. There we find the joy of discovery. There we find the joy of participation. And there we find the joy of victory!

” … a house of prayer for all nations.” From the context this would mean that all people are welcome to come and pray in God’s house. It is not necessarily a place for prayers to be made for all nations, which clearly would be appropriate and commendable, however within this context it clearly applies to those from other nations who choose to honor God. They are welcome and their prayers will be heard.

Application: Sometimes I want others to pray for me, thinking that their prayers are more acceptable to God than mine. It is good for them to pray for me, but it is not because God cannot hear or understand my prayers. It is good to know I am always welcome to approach God in prayer, and that it is a place where God gives joy!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making it clear that in my desire to honor you my prayer is acceptable. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!