Isaiah 58:6-8 (KJV)
6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.
True fasting goes beyond abstaining from food. It symbolizes a hunger towards the true spiritual word of God. Just like a person who is starving seeks out food, we too need to seek out spiritual nourishment through God's word.
It's also about starving our worldly desires and distractions in order to seek God's righteousness. Not only should we focus on eating well physically, we need to truly receive nourishment spiritually.
Fasting allows us to align with the will of God, which is preaching the gospel and living a spiritual life.
True fasting involves breaking free from the bondage of sin and weakness. We do this by seeking only the gospel. It’s a call to true repentance which is transcending our thoughts back to the gospel. It’s about seeking breaking people free from the oppression of Satan. How do we do this? Through the gospel and preaching true salvation by grace alone.
True fasting involves caring for those in need. It’s about sharing the gospel to those who are spiritually homeless and hungry. It's not just giving out food or clothing. It's about giving them the bread of life, which is Jesus. It's about giving them the gospel and giving them the righteous robes of Christ. Fasting means focusing only on the gospel and denying your flesh.
"Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward".
When we engage in true spiritual fasting by serving others through the gospel, we experience blessings. Our light shines brightly, our health improves, and we walk in righteousness. We feel the glory of God through the gospel and people begin to notice the change in our hearts. God wants us to actively deny our fleshly desires but in order to do this, we must focus only on the gospel. The gospel provides true nourishment to our souls and to everyone around us. Fasting physically and abstaining from food is good for our health. But we must always prioritize the gospel above all things. This is what the bible teaches is true spiritual fasting. Amen!
