An Everlasting Name

Understanding Isaiah 56:1–8

When we look closely at the end of Isaiah, we see more clearly who Jesus, the Servant of the Lord, is and why His death on the cross (the key event in Isaiah 53) is so important. This brings up the idea that salvation isn’t something we can earn or purchase, it’s a free gift. This leads us to wonder, why should we strive to live righteously? The answer is that accepting this gift of grace changes how we see justice, creates a community of equal believers, and gives us an identity that lasts forever. Let’s take a closer look at these ideas.

1. A fresh view of justice

When the Bible talks about “maintaining justice” and “doing what is right,” it’s not just about punishing wrongdoers. It’s also about looking out for people who need help. Biblical justice includes making things right when they’re wrong, sharing what we have with those who have less, and recognizing that God has a hand in our success. This is seen in the story of Job and the idea of fair prices. All of this is tied to experiencing God’s grace.

2. A different type of community

Jesus’ arrival meant everyone, even those usually left out, were welcomed into God’s family, erasing social and racial divisions. Jesus’ first sermon, as told in Luke 4, highlighted the importance of treating all races equally. In addition, Christianity doesn’t consider anyone impure due to their body or sexual past, respects widows, and sees value in being single. This means everyone is treated equally, no matter their background or marital status.

3. A name that lasts forever

Sometimes churches fail to be as inclusive as Isaiah 56 suggests because they forget our value comes from Jesus’ sacrifice, not our achievements. The story of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 shows this. He was first turned away, but after understanding Isaiah 56, he realized that Jesus’ work welcomes everyone. This helps us to come together as a community and to work for justice, showing the power of the gospel to change lives.