In the days of Isaiah the prophet, the people were proud of how they fasted and humbled themselves before God. Unfortunately for those people, God knew their hearts and their true intentions were all wrong.
God doesn’t mince words, calling the people out with these types of in-your-face phrases:
This kind of fasting
will never get you anywhere with me. (Isaiah 58:4b)
And again:
Is this what you call fasting?
Do you really think this will please the Lord? (Isaiah 58:5b)
The Lord then explains to them what He is looking for:
“No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
and remove the chains that bind people.
Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help. (Isaiah 58:6-7)
Do you want to show God that you are serious about doing His Will? Do this!
Again, God states in no uncertain terms precisely how He will reward those who perform these acts of charity:
“Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
Then when you call, the Lord will answer.
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply. (Isaiah 58:8-9)
Whether it was thousands of years ago, or tomorrow, God is clear that He wants us to help those in need, and share His blessings with those around us.
#LoveMatters