ESOCS Devotional 22 December 2023 – God’s Chosen Fast
MEMORY VERSE: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” Isaiah 58:6
TEXT: ISAIAH 58:6-12 (KJV)
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.
9 Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day:
11 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
In some Christian communities, fasting is not emphasized. In others, especially during Lent (the season leading up to Easter), fasting is a way of remembering the suffering of our Lord.
In ancient Israel, fasting included wearing robes of sackcloth, bowing one’s head in mourning, beating one’s breast, and lying on a bed of ashes. All of this was meant to be a sign of humbling oneself and repenting of sin. But, said God in the days of Isaiah the prophet, all he saw was a hypocritical show. Instead of really repenting of their sin, the Israelites went right on oppressing their workers, fighting among themselves, ignoring people who needed food and shelter and clothing.
True and Biblical fasting is abstaining from food, drink or sex to fast on a period of spiritual growth. It is to humbly deny something of the flesh to glorify God, enhance our spirit and go deeper in our prayer life. Christian fasting is not and should not be seen as a kind of “work” or “requirement” for getting something “serious” from God. However, that does not mean that is not important or not recommended for spiritual growth. The book of Acts also recorded that believers fasted and prayed before they made major decisions (Acts 13: 2; 14: 23). Yes, believers should fast from time to time to develop a closer walk with God.
Fasting has been a religious activity associated with all types of religion. Different kinds and variety of fasting can be seen in midst of several cultures. But the Bible reveals the nature of true fasting. God’s chosen fasting having both physical and spiritual effects, should remove the toxic effect from our whole being. In turn, it changes our relation with God and man. Usually, people consider fasting so as to get God to do what they want. Instead, for a true Christian, it is a means by which we come before God in true humility and to see and react to our surroundings the way God wants us to. It turns out to be a time of self- examination, purification and spiritual upliftment. How is our fasting? Is it the same way as these Israelites fasted. Or is it really a day of self-examination, a time of humbling, a time to reach out to others who are in need—to do what is pleasing to God? While Jesus was teaching about Fasting in the Sermon on the mount in Matthew 6:16-17 He says: but when you fast, your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who sees in secret. And your Father who is in secret will reward you.
As we fast and pray these days, let us have the real assurance from heaven that He has heard us. As we read in Isaiah 58: 8-12, God will reward us with His guidance and blessings that will be poured into our lives. Let us thus strive to get to the place where we meet with Him and do what pleases Him. Let it not end up as a vain spiritual exercise. God bless all of us with a time of renewal of our spiritual strength and nearness to God as we go through our fasting these days.
- What can a Christian do to engage in true fasting without just going through the motions?
- Dear lord, as I humbly seek your face during this time of fasting and praying, please help me to examine myself and see what you require of me and help me to be a pleasing aroma in your presence. In Jesus name, amen.
- FURTHER READING: Isaiah 32:1-8; John 5:39–54; Romans 1:1–6
ESOCS Devotional 22 December 2023