As we hear the account of Jesus and the Canaanite woman, I want us to pause to listen to today’s text from the prophet Isaiah – as the prophet teaches the expansive nature of God’s house – as a house of prayer for ALL peoples. Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 1 Thus says the Lord : Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed. 6 And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord , to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord , and to be his servants, all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it, and hold fast my covenant— 7 these 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. 8 Thus says the Lord God , who gathers the outcasts of Israel, I will gather others to them besides those already gathere...
Life is tough, but hope is tougher.