Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 31; Psalm 119:97-120; Isaiah 58; Matthew 6
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? 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? (Isaiah 58:6-7)
The ancient Israelites were 'going through the motions' with their relationship with God. They were fasting ritually and then asking God why he did not see their piety and reward them. They were not fasting for the right reasons.
Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. (Isaiah 58:3-4)
The Lord tells us in his Word that the fast has chosen is one to loose the bands of wickedness and to undo heavy burdens. The fast that God chooses is one which involves spiritual warfare. The right fast is to let the oppressed go free and to break every yoke. What does this mean? Well, Jesus taught his disciples on one occasion that the reason they were unsuccessful in casting out a demon was that they had not prayed and fasted for the boy's release.
Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. (Matthew 17:19-21)
Fasting is also meant for us to go without so we can help others. To deal bread to the hungry and clothe the naked is the end result of fasting. Do you fast? Is fasting for the New Testament Christian? I believe that it is and is a powerful tool when coupled with prayer and servant hood.
Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (Matthew 6:16)
Jesus did not say, "If you fast…", he said, "WHEN you fast…". He expected his disciples to fast. We need to understand that God is not impressed with empty ritual. He wants us to fast in humility and faith so our voices will be heard on high.
In Christ,
Rody
