[:en]SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 58
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I” (Isaiah 58:7-9)
“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” (Isaiah 58:11)
“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, If you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way, and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride ont he heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob” The mouth of the Lord has spoken” (Isaiah 58:13-14)
TRUE FASTING
The people in Judah participated in fasting. However, they exploit their workers. They quarrel and strike each other with wicked fists. They oppress people with pointing finger and malicious talk. Their fasting was only for show.
SIGNS OF TRUE FASTING
A. To do what is right and follow God’s command (v. 2)
B. To humble yourself (v. 3)
C. To set the oppressed free (v. 6)
D. To loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke and set the oppressed free (v. 6)
E. To share food with the hungry and provide the poor wanderers with shelter (v. 7a)
F. To clothe the naked (v. 7b)
G. To honor the Sabbath day (v. 13)
BLESSINGS OF TRUE FASTING
- Your light will break forth like the dawn (v. 8a)
- Your healing will quickly appear (v. 8b)
- Your righteousness will go before you (8c)
- The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard (v. 8d)
- Your call will be answered by the Lord and your cry will be heard (v. 9)
- Your light will rise in the darkness and your night will become like noonday (v. 10)
- The Lord will guide you and satisfy your needs (v. 11)
- You will rebuild the ancient ruins and raise up the age old foundation to become repairer of the broken walls and restorer of streets with dwellings (v. 12)
- You will find joy in the Lord,ride on the heights of the land and feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob (v. 14)
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