Listen

The immigrants who have joined me, serving me and loving my name, becoming my servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath without making it impure, and those who hold fast to my covenant: I will bring them to my holy mountain, and bring them joy in my house of prayer. I will accept their entirely burned offerings and sacrifices on my altar. My house will be known as a house of prayer for all peoples, says the Lord God, who gathers Israel’s outcasts. I will gather still others to those I have already gathered.

Isaiah 56:6-8

Think

Where do I fit in? It’s a question we wrestle with at every age. Whether we’re starting a new grade, joining a new team, or beginning a new job, we all want to know that we belong.

In Isaiah 56:6-8, God speaks to people who were often treated as outsiders—immigrants living in a land where they were not always welcomed or fully accepted. While others may have seen them through labels like foreigner or outsider, God saw something more. Instead of drawing lines based on where they came from or who they were, God welcomed those who chose to follow God’s ways.

In God’s family, belonging isn’t determined by popularity, appearance, ability, or the labels assigned by society. It’s found in relationship with God and in reflecting God’s love and justice. That’s good news when we feel different, overlooked, or out of place. We belong because God claims and loves us. And when we know we belong, we can help others experience that same welcome.

Aaron Shoppa

Question to Ponder:

Who might be feeling like an outsider this week, and how could you help them know they belong?

Pray

God of every people, thank you for showing me that I belong. Help me notice those who feel left out, and give me the courage to welcome them with your love. Amen.

Go

God has already given you what you need. Go forth renewed and ready to transform the world through God’s love.