Answering the Call for Fasting? (Part 2)
As we continue in Isaiah 58, God delves more deeply into the Children of Israel’s behavior as they partake in this time of fasting. There is a serious disconnect between Israel’s apparent “pious and holy” behavior toward God and their harsh and hard-hearted treatment of one another. How can this be? Do they not understand that everyone ultimately belongs to God?
Know that how we treat one another is a truer reflection of our present relationship with God… and the relationship we are seeking to have, than all the wearing of sackcloth, ashes, bowing, fasting, and praying we can ever do. In times when we are challenged to express love to our neighbors and family as we ought, Let Us call to mind and hold in our hearts the council of 1 John 4:20, “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”
Let Us pursue first and foremost both having and exhibiting the heart of God toward one another. It is when we are willing to see one another with God’s eyes, love one another with God’s heart, that our fasting, offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable in God’s sight.
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