Biblical fasting is not really ABOUT abstaining from food. Abstaining is a necessary part of the “how,” but thy “why” is much deeper, much more beautiful, and much more challenging. The “why” is God’s great invitation to us to be like Christ, as Isaiah 58 shows us:
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, undo the thongs of the yoke, let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly…Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. – fromIsaiah 58:6-9
Reidland UMC will gather tonight at 6 to remember who we are, whose we are, and what we are called to be. Hope to see you there.
Pastor Joe
