January 4: HOLDING FAST TO THE LORD

For thus says the LORD: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, and choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant, Even to them I will give in My house And within My walls a place and a name Better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name That shall not be cut off. Isaiah 56:4-5

Jesus was known for saying things that raised eyebrows. In the Spirit of Christ, Isaiah penned words that often took his Hebrew brethren by surprise. It is necessary here to seek out the whole picture. God abhorred the practice of so-called “holy men” who underwent intentional mutilation to show devotion to their false god, hence the Hebrew law recorded in Deuteronomy 23:1 (see also Leviticus 21:20). In addition to the worship of pagan gods, there were godless kings with multiple wives who would make eunuchs of those in charge of their harams. Mutilations, cuttings, piercings, and other marks were widely performed to honor/appease the dead among pagans. Others, like Nebuchadnezzar, made eunuchs of their Hebrew captives as a way of emphasizing that they were a conquered people. This happened to Daniel and his three friends. Sadly, it has resurfaced today in a rampant trend of perverted medical procedures and confusion of genders. Satan is having a field day, for he does not want people to choose what pleases [the Creator God].

God’s ideal for His people was put forth to set them apart from the rest of the world, as a people especially blessed. The exclusion from sanctuary leadership in the above references was for the prevention of the sadness and tragedy of not having a family. In the Hebrew culture, a man’s greatest earthly happiness was in having one or more sons to carry on the family name and inheritance. Godly people today will often say that their greatest blessing is in their children!

The point that Isaiah is making: assurance that God’s love is manifested toward all. Those who love Him back and desire to serve Him with undivided hearts are most certainly accepted by Him. Isaiah was called to make sure that all such, Even…[eunuchs] were not to feel despised, forsaken, or forgotten. To serve the God of heaven meant bringing others into the kingdom by their example. Such “offspring” were like sons and daughters, only Better! To be given an everlasting name is an explicit reference to God’s eternal kingdom.

Emphasizing God’s view of the human heart, King David wrote: LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart (Psalm 15:1-2).

Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” (Acts 10:34-35)

“To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths…” God’s weekly Sabbath was instituted at creation, was honored by Jesus and His followers, and will continue into eternity. It is His sign, or seal, of His role as Creator and Redeemer.

For further study: Genesis 2:2-3; Isaiah 56:6; 58:6, 12-13; 66:23; Ezekiel 20:12, 20; Revelation 2:17; 14:7