By: Casey Zachary
It is interesting to note that in a discussion of appropriate fasting, YHWH frames it in terms of doing justice and serving the poor as the remedy to false fasting. Despite these two behaviors being closely tied to the core of who YHWH is, it is likely that he could have demonstrated what authentic fasting and genuine worship looked like without using this to frame it. Perhaps the reason he does is because it prevents the one practicing from using fasting, or any other spiritual activity, as a means for turning inward on oneself. This is a tendency of spiritual disciplines, to pervert them into something that serves the one performing the act rather than serving God or others. The people in Isaiah 58, as well as most individuals today, begin engaging in spiritual activities for perfectly sound reasons, but unless one is careful, it can turn into something that is useless or even harmful.
It is unfortunate that, because of the present human condition, these spiritual activities can be used in a way that deny the reality they are intended to symbolize. The spiritual disciplines Christians practice have the potential to become a ritual and devoid of true meaning. One way in which believers are able to prevent this from occurring is by allowing these type of activities to become signs of returning to the Lord with all their hearts. Matthew 3:7 instructs Christians are to bear fruit that is representative of the repentance that has taken place in their lives.
Failing to do so results in a pharisaic attitude setting in and all the good intentions of delighting in the Lord by serving in obedience morph into a performance based attempt to acquire merits. This issue of merits is a serious one in Christianity today. Perhaps it is human nature to desire earning salvation or proving worth, but it seems to have crept pass this point. Certainly, most current evangelicals avoid looking at salvation as something that is based upon works, but the sad thing is many have reduced it to something much more pathetic. Many Christians fast, pray, read the Bible (and yes, even serve the poor), but instead of using merits to purchase salvation, (Christians are much too theologically savvy for that) many try to use them as a means to get what they want. They desire a reward for simply being obedient. Too often a whiny attitude permeates Christian thinking, demanding God answer prayers in the exact time and manner which they desire. Rather, the attitude of believers should be one of gratefulness that God listens to their prayer and humble submission to his will. This does not mean people should not make their requests and desires known to God. It does indicate that Christians must not murmur and complain against God when he does not act as they think he ought. The essence of true religion is not in performing acts to influence the Lord, but it is in doing them to obey him; not to look for a reward but faith acting in obedience.
It should be a major red flag when someone begins to blame God for what they are enduring. When one suffers, God is not being cruel, rather, he is able to use these tribulations to teach Christians to care more meaningfully for others. The right response to suffering is not to turn inward, which leads to self-absorption, but rather to turn outward, in service to others who are suffering. As noted above, even serving the poor and doing justice can turn into something that is inward and self serving. If one performs these actions for the sake of checking a good deed off their list or putting their conscience at rest, then they will find their formula will fail. Again, this is indicative of a turning inward rather than outward. Christians must avoid this pitfall. The type of fast proposed in Isaiah 58 does not simply expose injustice, it attacks it. What is required in chapter 58 demands Christians let go of any self interest they have and focus on the needs of others.
Come back next week for some final thoughts on Isaiah 58