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Bible Pathways - Aug. 12, 2006


Isaiah 58

In Today's Reading:

True fasting; sin, confession, and redemption; future glory of Jerusalem; the day of vengeance; God's loving-kindness to Israel

During Isaiah's time, the Israelite leaders complained to God: Wherefore have we fasted . . . and Thou seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and Thou takest no knowledge? (Isaiah 58:3). They accused Him of not paying attention to what they were doing and they felt they had wasted their time. The Lord answered: In the day of your fast ye find pleasure (continue to seek selfish interests), and exact (exploit) all your labours (laborers). . . . ye fast for (continue your) strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness (occupied with personal conflicts) (58:3-4).

Even more serious was their hypocrisy. The Lord said: Is it such a fast that I have chosen? . . . is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him (to impress others with pretended humility)? (58:5; compare Luke 18:10-14). Through Isaiah, God reminded the Israelites that acceptable fasting was not to impress the world of how religious they were, but it was to seek the will of God through intercession. The Lord said the fast He would accept would be preceded by acts of kindness such as: To loose the bands (bonds) of wickedness . . . undo the heavy burdens . . . to let the oppressed go free. . . . to deal (divide) thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out (wandering) to thy house . . . when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh (never neglect your responsibility to your own family) (Isaiah 58:6-7).

If what we do for someone, or for the Lord, is meant to impose or imply expecting special favors in return, prayers and fasting will be futile. Our prayers are effective only when our attitude and our relationship with others expresses the mercy and love of God unconditionally.

Often, being a Christian is thought of as the sum total of things we don't do. But a Christian is first and foremost both who we are and what we do. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Christ Revealed:

As the One anointed to preach Good Tidings (Isaiah 61:1). Jesus preached this passage to the rulers of the synagogue (Luke 4:16-22) but stopped before the completion of the second verse, thus showing that He fulfilled the first part but, the second part, the day of judgment, was yet to be fulfilled.

Word Studies:

60:5 flow together =b> become enlightened; fear =b> swell with joy; 61:3 appoint =b> impart comfort; 62:4 Hephzibah =b> My delight is in her; Beulah =b> married; 63:15 the sounding of thy bowels =b> the yearning affection of your heart.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Dan Boren (OK) and Rep. Connie Mack (FL) · Country: Ghana (19 million) in western Africa Major languages: English and African languages The government permits freedom to churches and missionaries that do not get involved in politics 31% belief in spirits and witches; 22% Protestant; 17% Muslim; 11% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Offer your gift of praise to God in prayer (I Peter 2:5).

Optional Reading: I Peter 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 84:11



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