Day 6 - Isaiah 58:6

A Fasted Journey for Spiritual Renewal

Day 6

“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” -Isaiah 58:6

Like the Pharisee yesterday, so too were the Jews of old. They used their fasts as a sign of being religious. They used their fasts as signs of outward righteousness. Religion isn’t going to save us. Our own “righteousness” isn’t going to save us. That only comes through the cross; through Christ. Our religion, how many times we go to church, how much we give to others or to the church, how often we fast, and other examples of works that we assign some prideful notion of “righteousness” to are incapable of matching the perfect righteousness of God. Works based religion cannot save us.

In verse 3 of Isaiah 58 the people lament, “Why have we fasted, and you see it not Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?” Yet all they receive is a rebuke. This whole chapter is insightful regarding fasting and our own self righteousness and is worth some extra reading for today. My Bible commentary says this, “The people voiced their concern that they were in difficulty though they seemed to be doing what the Law required.” They fasted and claimed to be humble, yet God knows the intentions of the heart. This is another principle that is found time and time again throughout Scripture. Here are just a few:

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” -1 Samuel 16:7

“Would not God discover this? For he knows the secrets of the heart.” -Psalm 44:21

“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.” -Proverbs 16: 2

“Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord be assured, he will not go unpunished.” -Proverbs 16: 5

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” -Proverbs 16:9

Proverbs 16 is rife with these types of truths.

The Bible commentary goes on to say, “apparently they thought that by going through the motions of religion, without any inward reality of faith they would be blessed.” I’d add that most “religious” people think that this is how they will be saved. It continues by pointing out that God “was more interested in their obedience than their rituals. Unfortunately, they, like many people, had confused rituals with relationship, outward acts with true obedience.” Many people have confused rituals and works with true, redeeming faith.

The commentary further notes, “Fasting was to encourage a person to respond positively to God’s commands” and that although the people were fasting, their prayers would not be heard because their hearts were not right.

I am not a medical professional. This journal is about my spiritual path and about that which the Lord has placed on me. This is not medical advice, nor was this fast done for any medical purpose. If you have a medical interest, seek medical advice. If you have particular health concerns, seek medical advice and/or conduct your own research. Any fasting advice, effects, realizations or anything else related to my fast come from my personal reflection and experience. If you are considering fasting, consulting with a healthcare provider may be appropriate for you.