116. The Proper Way to Fast

Isaiah 55-58

Come To Christ and Live

In chapters 52+53 we studied the idea that Christ is the redeemer who died for the sinful human race. Isaiah continues that thought by inviting sinners to accept Jehovah's gift of redemption: Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat. 55:1.

Jehovah keeps calling the prodigal people to repent of their sins, to change their wicked lifestyle, and if they do, He is always willing to forgive the past.   Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to Jehovah, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. Seek Jehovah while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. 55:7+6. 

Christ said, But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14

Very importantly, this salvation, procured by Christ, is not only for the Jews.  So says Jehovah to those who take hold of My covenant; even to them will I give within My house and within My walls a hand and a name better than of sons and of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off; 

It is also for all other ethnic groups - the sons of the stranger, who join themselves to Jehovah to serve Him, and to love the name of Jehovah, to be His servants. 56:5-6.

Your Life Is A Sham

In this context, the context of a new life in Christ, the first instruction given is, Keep judgment and do justice. 56:1.

Isaiah also lashes out against those who are guilty of idolatry.  

The Europeans and the Americans (North and South) are so very, very guilty of this sin. This idolatry includes crucifixes hanging on the walls of homes and church buildings; or the cross hanging from the neck; this so-called Christians do in spite of the fact that the second commandment very clearly says, You shall not make to yourselves any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow yourself down to them. Exodus 20:4-5.

When we visited Japan we saw idols in every home we entered; it is part of their religious background. Perhaps "their God" did not forbid it. But how did that practice ever get so prevalent among Christians?  This is another area in which the church, over the centuries, has gone contrary to biblical teaching.

Far too many parents are so busy worshipping the "almighty dollar" and the pleasures it can buy that they could honestly be accused of killing the little sons. 57:5.  Certainly, they do not murder them physically, but they kill them psychologically; the children are deprived of the chance of growing up knowing what a loving home is.  That is idolatry to the god of pleasure on the part of the parents.

In the next scene Isaiah comes down really hard on his listeners; 

Mockingly he speaks of them as being very religious. 

• You seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, in your superfluous daily devotions.
• You pretend that you are a nation that did righteousness, and one who did not forget the ordinance of their God.  You speak as though you follow what the Bible teaches.
• They ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in drawing near to God, on Sunday mornings in church they pretend they want to hear what the Bible teaches.
• You say, Why have we fasted, and You, Lord, do not see?
• Why have we afflicted our soul, and You take no knowledge?  Lord, You don't even notice when we "pretend" to be in deep emotional prayer.
  

Jehovah answers:

• Behold, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, and crush all your laborers. So, you fast and pray, but still, you crush your workers psychologically.
• Behold, you fast for strife and debate, and to strike with the fist of wickedness. You fast to boost your superego so that you feel more holy, and then you think it is alright to argue with or even physically fight others or maybe even abuse women.
• You shall not fast as you do today, to make your voice to be heard on high, it is all a sham and I detest it.

Jehovah continues,  Is it such a fast that I have chosen?
  
Is not this the fast that I have chosen?  This is how to fast:

• To loose the bands of wickedness, help young people take the right path before they get into drugs or join wicked gangs.
• to undo the heavy burdens, help some neighbour, or even a stranger carry a heavy load.
• to let the oppressed ones go free, and that you break every yoke? Help set those free who are bound by unhealthy and dangerous habits; help them break their yoke.
• break your bread to the hungry, share what you have with the needy.
• you should bring home the wandering poor?  Could you maybe share your home with some homeless person?  Maybe help sponsor an immigrant?
• When will you see, the naked and cover him; will it ever happen, that you will share your clothing with the destitute?
• and when will you ... not hide yourself from your own flesh? Your children and grandchildren need financial help to finish their education and you act like you don't even know them.
  
  When you change your lifestyle Then shall your light break out as the dawn, and your health shall spring out quickly; and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of Jehovah shall gather you. Then you shall call, and Jehovah shall answer. 58:2-9.  

What a blessed promise that is!