S) "6 Is this not the fast which I choose,
To loosen the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the bands of the yoke,
And to let the oppressed go free
And break every yoke?
7 Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry
And bring the homeless poor into the house;
When you see the naked, to cover him;
And not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"
Isaiah 57:6-7 (NASB)
O) God is rebuking His people with this passage. He recounts the complaints of the people, who ask why their fasting is not working (see vv.2-3). He explains that the people have wrong motives, fasting for their own evil gain. (see vv.4-5). In the above verses, He reminds His people that fasting is about two main things: restoring righteousness and benefiting others. We are still called to fast, but if we are fasting by rote, as the Pharisees were (see Mark 2:18-20), then it isn't simply an ineffective religious practice, it is actually an evil affront to the LORD.
A) The key to keeping this clear, is to remember that fasting is real, effective, actual spiritual warfare. Fasting should always be done purposefully. That is not to say that regular fasting is wrong. On the contrary, if I am thinking of this correctly (as spiritual warfare), then regular fasting should absolutely be a part of my life (and in fact, I will today, implement this principle). I must be careful, however, that the fasting is not a hollow religious rite, but a hallowed religious fight.
P) Father, thank You for equipping me to do Your work. You have empowered me through the Holy Spirit, that I can be part of Your warfare. I have been negligent in this area; I know that now. Please forgive me. Direct me now, LORD, to make a fasting battle plan. With the regularity, help me stay focused on the purpose behind fasting. Remind me of the verses here in Isaiah, that I remember my fasting is about bringing Your kingdom to prominence in my life and the lives of people around me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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