Loose Chains

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:  to lose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? ~ Isaiah 58:6

The spiritual act of fasting doesn’t get a lot of traction these days.  Fasting is giving up something (typically food) in order to focus on God for such reasons as repentance, guidance, or as an act of dependence on God.  However, like with every spiritual discipline, fasting can be done in a manner that is unpleasant to the Lord.  The Israelites were in the habit of fasting and going through religious rituals and then complained when God didn’t improve their situation immediately.  They expected to follow the rules and in turn thought they could force God’s hand to their demands.  But just like with all spiritual growth, this once again, is a heart issue.  Isaiah was telling the Israelites that God doesn’t just want the act, the motions of religious rituals followed, but God wants our hearts.  I think the message is clear – I don’t care what rituals you are doing, but why are you doing them?  To fast and pray only for selfish gains while others are suffering around you while you oppress them is highly hypocritical.  Fast to be closer to God; to gather His wisdom and insight; to find out how to help others and not just yourself.  The Israelites were using fasting as a means to an end, but fasting is a practice that should be used as a tool for personal spiritual growth.  God is not a genie in a bottle who can be controlled by fasting.  Notice in verse 3 of Isaiah 58 how arrogant and prideful the Israelites seem, as if God owes them any favors. Now in verses 4-6 of the same chapter you see why God may be withholding His blessings and favor, for you cannot ask God for help and be part of the problem by lacking to love people.  God expects His followers to be part of the solution.  We need to be sure that our hearts are right before we go before God demanding He meets our every need through rituals. Rituals don’t make your heart right; your obedience, attitude and humility do.  God wants your heart.  The Israelites continued in their quest to do what was right in their own eyes and to be spiteful and nasty toward each other while expecting blessings from God.  Oh Lord, help me to keep a pure heart and treat others the way you would want me to treat them.  Open my eyes to the many blessings you have given me and let me come to you with a loving and clean heart. ~ Amen