Isaiah 56:1,
6–8—Writing about 700 years before
Christ, Isaiah prophesies of the LORD: Soon
my salvation will come, and my deliverance will be revealed. The LORD’s
salvation and righteousness have been revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.
Because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus for all, regardless of race, the LORD
is pleased to gather to Himself people of all nations and races, and accepts
their offerings and sacrifices: My house
shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.
The Lord Jesus gave His command to reach out the
entire world with the message of His salvation, “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and
to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
This prophecy was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost as
Peter proclaimed, “And it shall come to
pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts
2:21) and further, “Repent and be
baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of
your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
The end result was growth, “So those who
received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand
souls.” (Acts 2:41)
Jesus calls us to himself and to his cross. Now, the
Lord hears our prayers and accepts our
sacrifice of praise upon the altar of His cross. (Isaiah 56:7)
Prayer for
the mission of the Church: Almighty God, You have called Your Church to witness
that in Christ You have reconciled us to Yourself. Grant that by Your Holy
Spirit we may proclaim the good news of Your salvation so that all who hear it
may receive the gift of salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,
Collect from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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