Scripture— Isaiah 2:1-5

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.” (Isaiah 2:2)

Shirley admits that the community she knew as a child was quite inward-focused. Everyone looked the same and had similar backgrounds and beliefs. But the experiences of her life have widened and deepened her sense of community in many ways. For instance: College increased her sense of community. A move to a different city increased it yet again. Technology, globalization, transportation, and different opportunities continue to increase it today. While she continues to hold on to the good things and loving people from her childhood background, she is thankful also to have friends across the world from a variety of backgrounds, belief systems, and experiences.

God has envisioned a much larger community than His people in Israel ever imagined. In Isaiah, He says that people from all nations “shall flow unto it.” All of those people will come rushing to the Lord, not because of how great they are, but because of how great God is.

As our idea of community broadens and grows, God will bring people to us from all areas of life and all backgrounds. They will have different backgrounds and experiences, but they will be drawn to us because of who God is in our lives. God loves people! He loves you, and He loves everyone who gathers around you. He loves your community. And He is the reason that it grows to include all types of people; yes, even those who have made mistakes.

We are not perfect, just forgiven. The community that God envisions for His people is not a stagnant one, but a growing one.

Prayer:   Father, grow our community (friends) and cause us to be accepting of all the people You bring into our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.