Fasting Isaiah 58:5-8

Isaiah 58:5-8 NASB 

“Is it a fast like this which I choose, a day for a man to humble himself?

Is it for bowing one’s head like a reed

And for spreading out sackcloth and ashes as a bed?

Will you call this a fast, even an acceptable day to the Lord?

 “Is this not the fast which I choose,

To loosen the bonds of wickedness,

To undo the bands of the yoke,

And to let the oppressed go free

And break every yoke?

 “Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry

And bring the homeless poor into the house;

When you see the naked, to cover him;

And not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

 “Then your light will break out like the dawn,

And your recovery will speedily spring forth;

And your righteousness will go before you;

The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

The Lord tells us how He defines fasting. It is not just an inward reflection and meditation on the grace of God.  The chief focus and spiritual work is outward, on the needs of others. It is pouring one's self out in love for a brother or sister. 

Fasting has more to do with putting another before one's self. 

In God's economy, the more you give the more you receive.  It is a fountain that overflows and never runs dry. When we obey God we will have the riches that only God is able to give.  The light of life will be ours.