We’ve been studying Isaiah on Wednesday night’s since the beginning of last year, and we’re just about done. After we finish we will begin a study of Romans, so expect a lot of semi-regular devos having to do with that great book. In the meantime here’s another devo dealing with this great book…

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?
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.

Isaiah 55:6-8

The people of Judah are being rebuked here for their hypocritical religion. Specifically with regards to fasting. The Jews here loved to fast because they got to show off how holy they were. They used their fasting times to enlarge their social status, when God tells them that’s the exactly OPPOSITE of what you’re supposed to do during a fast.

God tells them that the purpose of a fast is to refocus the mind on spiritual things. In general, fasts were done to train the mind to consider one particular problem or issue. They can be done any time, but under the Old Law only one fast was ever actually commanded, and it was done so in conjunction with the Day of Atonement. While the Jews reflected on God’s annual expression of mercy toward them, they were supposed to go out and be merciful too.

They were supposed to release prisoners from jail, unburden men from debt obligations, allow servants to be free, feed the hungry, shelter the poor, clothe the naked. Doesn’t that sound familiar?

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Matthew 25:34-36

My Master basically condenses Christianity here down to its essential element: Charity (which is why the Greek word “agape” is sometimes translated as such; it’s a perfect description of the word). When we selflessly help the less fortunate we are exhibiting THE characteristic of Christ, who left Heaven to serve we the less fortunate of the world.

Shame on us if we try to make our Christianity about us. Shame on us if we worship on Sunday but neglect to help others on Saturday or Monday, etc. Shame on us if the only times we do help are so that we can receive praise from men. Isaiah’s remarks in chapter 55 show us that we should not be concerned with being seen, or with trying to make our name great. He also shows us that we can go through the motions of worship, but if our hearts are not sincere and charitable and open to help those in need, it’s all for naught.

If you open your hearts to those in need, the only One who matters will take note. God will see.

And God will reward.