Scripture
Isaiah 57: 6-7, 9-10
“No, the kind of fasting I want calls you to free those who are wrongly imprisoned and to stop oppressing those who work for you. Treat them fairly and give them what they earn. I want you to share your food with the hungry and to welcome poor wanderers into your homes. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Then when you call, the Lord will answer, yes I am here, he will quickly reply. Stop oppressing the helpless and stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. They your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day.”
Observation
The kind of fasting God wants is:
1) Free those who are wrongly imprisoned
2) Stop oppressing those who work for you. Treat them fairly and give them what they earn.
3) Share your food with the hungry
4) Welcome poor wanderers into your home. Provide shelter
5) Give clothes to those who need them
6) Help your relatives in need,
7) Feed the hungry.
8) Help those in trouble
The results
1) When I call the Lord will answer quickly
2) My light will shine out from the darkness
3) The darkness around me will be bright as day
Application
One of the best witnesses the church can have in this world, is social justice. The church should stand up and help those in need, those who are mistreated, those who have no one else to help them. The church should be a voice for those who have no one to speak for them. They should protect those who are being abused. They rescue the hurting, feed the hungry, clothe the clothe less, provide shelter for the homeless, and give justice to the wrongly accused.
Prayer
I want to remember the poor, needy, and mistreated. I want to do more than feel sorry for them; I want to do something about it. I want to act for those sold into sex slavery. I want to defend the innocent. I want to provide food, clothing, and shelter for the poor. I want to do more than I am currently doing. Father, lead me. Show me what to do. Enable First A/G to make a difference.
