Strangers and Eunuchs

In Isaiah 56, the prophet delivers a joyful message to two unexpected groups of people:

Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the Lord, speak, saying, The Lord hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

Isaiah 56:3

This is a striking affirmation in light of passages in the law, like Deuteronomy 23:1, 3, which specifically exclude these people from “the congregation of the Lord.”

Isaiah goes on to say that eunuchs and strangers who keep God’s sabbaths, obey His commandments, and take hold of His covenant will be welcomed into His temple, “for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people” (Isaiah 56:4-7).

Nephi shared a similar message of inclusiveness:

Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden.

2 Nephi 26:28

Mormon also teaches this principle after relating the conversion of King Lamoni:

And thus the work of the Lord did commence among the Lamanites; thus the Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit upon them; and we see that his arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name.

Alma 19:36

Everyone can choose to be part of God’s covenant people. None are excluded.

Today I will invite all to be part of God’s covenant people and will welcome all who join us. I will remember Isaiah’s promises to strangers and eunuchs and recognize that God’s house is for all people.