January 11, 2021

WHY?

Isaiah 58:3-8

saying, ‘Why have we fasted, but You did not see it? Why have we humbled our souls, but You did not know it?’ Because in the days of your fasts, you seek your own wills, and mistreat those under your authority. If you fast for condemnations and quarrels, and strike a humble man with your fists, why do you fast to Me as you do today, so your voice may be heard in crying? I did not choose this fast, and such a day for a man to humble his soul; nor if you should bow your neck like a ring and spread sackcloth and ashes under yourself, could you thus call such a fast acceptable. I did not choose such a fast,” says the Lord; “rather, loose every bond of wrongdoing; untie the knots of violent dealings; cancel the debts of the oppressed; and tear apart every unjust contract. Break your bread for the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house. If you see a naked man, clothe him, nor shall you disregard your offspring in your own household. Then your light shall break forth as the morning, and your healing shall spring forth quickly. Your righteousness shall go before you, and the glory of God shall cover you."

Personal Challenge

How many times have we called out to God asking why He has abandoned us and laid out all of the wonderful spiritual things that we are doing? I know that I have done this, just to be reminded by Him that it is not the number of times that I go to church or the piety of my prostrations or the completeness of my fasting that He cares about. He cares about the state of my heart and the actions towards Him and those around me which flow from that state. If I am being mean and nasty toward those around me, then my heart is mean and nasty, if I am hoarding the wealth that He bestows upon me and not taking care of those in need, then my heart is hoarding the things of this earth. God wants my love. He wants my actions to be filled with love. He wants me, not my empty sacrifices. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!