I have often been asked about the value of fasting in the Christian's life. I read this today from Isaiah 58 and found a very clear answer—from the OT!
6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
7 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 them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 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.
9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
11 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.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
It is obvious from the chapter that God is critical of Israel's legalistic fasting. The nation had exchanged the 'weightier matters of the Law' for religious 'function.' One would think that the religious leaders of Jesus' day, well versed in the Law and Prophets would remember this passage, but they did not. They too had substituted the most important for the outward show.
It is always easier to go through religious motions than practice true religion. What was true in the 8th century before Christ and during His ministry is no less true today. I have a feeling if the prophet were preaching Sunday he would preach the same message.
There's nothing wrong with fasting, but believers need to be reminded of this passage in Isaiah concerning 'true fasting.'
