Daily Office Day 2
*Fast with Purpose…to minister to the needs of others
1 ) Silence, stillness, and centering before God (2min)
2) Scripture Reading – Isaiah 58:6-7
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
3) Devotional
Those who think the spiritual rhythms foster tendencies of introspection or independence should consider the above passage. In the most extensive passage in Scripture dealing exclusively with fasting, God emphasizes fasting for the purpose of meeting the needs of others. The people originally addressed in this section had complained to the Lord that they fasted and humbled themselves before Him, but He had not answered them. But the reason why He had not heard them was their disobedience. Their lives were in hypocritical contrast to their fasting and praying, “Yet on the day of your fasting,“ says the Lord in verses 3-4, “you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.” Fasting cannot be compartmentalized from the rest of our lives. Spiritual rhythms do not stand alone. God will not bless the practice of any rhythm, including fasting, when we reject His Word regarding relationships with others. The kind of fasting that pleases God is one that results in concern for others and not just for ourselves.
Those who think the spiritual rhythms foster tendencies of introspection or independence should consider the above passage. In the most extensive passage in Scripture dealing exclusively with fasting, God emphasizes fasting for the purpose of meeting the needs of others. The people originally addressed in this section had complained to the Lord that they fasted and humbled themselves before Him, but He had not answered them. But the reason why He had not heard them was their disobedience. Their lives were in hypocritical contrast to their fasting and praying, “Yet on the day of your fasting,“ says the Lord in verses 3-4, “you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.” Fasting cannot be compartmentalized from the rest of our lives. Spiritual rhythms do not stand alone. God will not bless the practice of any rhythm, including fasting, when we reject His Word regarding relationships with others. The kind of fasting that pleases God is one that results in concern for others and not just for ourselves.
4) Questions to Consider
How could you minister to the needs of others with the extra time or money fasting could provide?
Would you consider bringing a bag of non-perishable groceries to church this Sunday, so as a church we can help others? Click here for more information and for a suggested list of food donations
5) Prayer
LORD, give me wisdom on how to use either my time or money in order to help someone. May the results of fasting lead me to impact another in a way that is pleasing to you. Help me make good choices regarding my time and/or money to be bring glory to your name. Continue to lead me Lord Jesus. In Your Name, Amen.
*portions of today’s Daily Office have been taken from “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life” by Donald S. Whitney
