Lent is a season of prayer and intentional fasting. As we know, fasting is a discipline that well--takes discipline. For those of us who enjoy three meals a day and a few snacks whenever we please, then fasting can be a disruption to a pleasant and desirable routine. Nevertheless, the fruit of fasting is rewarding in numerous ways.
The people of Isaiah’s day also fasted and anticipated God’s appropriate response to their self-denial. However, the Lord seemed ambivalent and inattentive to their actions. Why have we fasted and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves and you have not noticed?
Contrary to their belief, God did notice but was displeased at their display, for their fasting opposed God’s purposes. On the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers . . . your fasting ends in quarreling and strife . . . is this what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? Their actions incurred an indictment instead of a reward, because their spiritual discipline did not connect their faith with their works.
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the bonds of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him? -Isaiah 58:6-7
God is pleased with fasting that provides a home for the homeless, shares food with the hungry, and sets the captive free! When we fast, truly fast, we become aware not only of our own need but also of the needs of the suffering and desolate around us. Furthermore, the fruit of fasting causes us to do something about it. Our faith must determine our work.
Officials estimate that there are 14,000 homeless children on the small island of Jamaica. Many of these children left home because of abuse. Most will beg or scrounge for food to survive today, and many do not have an extra change of clothes. As we fast this Lenten season, let us remember with compassion the displaced children of Jamaica, for only when we choose to recognize the suffering will we also participate in relieving it.
At New Vision City of Refuge Children’s Home, we have not only considered the plight of the mistreated, we are doing something about it. Please prayerfully consider a financial gift to the home or become a sponsor of a child on a monthly basis so that together we may put our faith to work and loose the chains of injustice.
Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he well say: Here am I. -Isaiah 58:8-9
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