Isaiah 58

Isaiah 58:1-14, Micah 6:8

What does God really require of you?  Isaiah 58 can be divided into 3 parts.  Part 1, verses 1-5, is a description of what fasting is not supposed to be.  Part 2, verses 6-10, is what really pleases God.  Part 3, verses 11-14 is about God's promises when one is faithful and obedient.

What fasting is not to be:

• Fasting is not for show.  Jesus is Matthew 6:16-18 shares the do's and don't of fasting. Do not look gloomy or disfigure your face.  It is not a way of leveraging God.  To do these things becomes a charade. 

• Do not fall into the trap of 'Doing' rather than 'Being'.

What pleases God :

• To loose the bonds of wickedness.  To undo the yoke of the oppressed.  Help the poor with essentials of life such as food clothing and shelter.

• This involves you being active, no middle man.

• In today's setting we should keep our eyes open to help those hurting from Covid-19.  However, discern the Spirit before you hop on board just any opportunity that 'seems' good.

God's promises:

• God will continually guide.  You will be like a watered garden.

• Honoring the Sabbath, which means turning from your own pleasures, delights the Lord.  The results will bring blessings.

So, what does God really require of you?

Micah 6:8 (CEV) - The Lord God has told us what is right and what he demands:  "See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God."