The right way of fasting

Is. 58:1-12

The Israelites fasted, donning sackcloths and pouring ashes over themselves. From the outside, they might seem to be very dedicated. But no. They had a problem, and because of this they cried to the LORD, “Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?” (Is. 58:3). The fact was that, even though they appeared to be repentant, dedicated and really into serving the LORD, the LORD was not happy with them at all. He refused to listen to them.

Isaiah tells what the reason is. He says that poring ashes upon themselves, wearing sackclothes and fasting alone is not a sign of dedication. In fact, the LORD desires real repentance and dedication of the heart. Therefore, the Israelites were also expected to help the poor, feed the hungry and cover their nakedness. The LORD says, “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” (Is. 58:6).

Let us also choose to balance what we show outwardly and what we really think in our hearts. Let us bring about social justice so that the LORD may hear our prayers today.