Our scripture this morning is Isaiah 26:2-4.
Open the gates to all who are righteous; allow the faithful to enter. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
This passage from the prophet Isaiah gives us a clue to God’s inclusive love. We read “allow the faithful to enter”, with no mention of their origin or background. This points to God calling all His children to live faithfully no matter where or when we live.
We have God’s promise to “keep in perfect peace all who trust in you”. 14th century cleric Thomas a Kempis writes “those who are peaceful bring peace to others”. This is part of our call to bring the peace of God to everyone by sharing our faith.
Thomas a Kempis also writes “Without the Way, there is no going, without the Truth, there is no knowing, without the Life, there is no living.” Jesus tells us He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and without Him there is indeed no living. Trust in God above all else is the only way we can be saved.
Loving Lord, in Your mercy You sent Jesus to love and save and free us. Bless us to go in Your name to share the joy we have in You with all the world. Amen.
