|
Of all the passages in Scripture on fasting, Isaiah
58 is the most full of information concerning the topic. It lists
warnings and positive results of fasting, kinds of fasts that do
not please God, and the kinds of fasting that do please God.
The purpose of all worship, including fasting, is to change the
worshiper in ways that have social and interpersonal impact. We
worship not just to gratify ourselves, but also to become empowered
to change the world. God goes on to specify the kind of fast he
chooses.
God says in Isaiah 58: 6-8 that he has chosen fasts that (1) loosen
the chains of injustice, (2) untie cords of the yoke, (3) set the
oppressed free, (4) break every yoke, (5) give bread to the hungry
and provide the poor with clothes and housing, (6) allow the people’s
light to break forth like the morning, (7) cause their health to
quickly appear, (8) cause their righteousness to go before them
and (9) cause the glory of the Lord to be their rear guard.
To better illustrate and reveal the significance of these nine reasons
for fasting, I have chosen nine biblical characters whose life personifies
the literal or figurative theme of each of the nine aspects highlighted
in Isaiah 58:6-8. Each fast has a different name and accomplishes
a different purpose.
Purpose of Fast Person Passage
1. Intimacy with God Jesus Luke 4:1-13
2. Burdens Nehemiah Nehemiah 1:1-11
3. Revival Joel Joel 2:12-25
4. Deliverance Elijah 1 Kings 19:3-18
5. Needs Ezra Ezra 8:21-23
6. Guidance Paul Acts 9:9 -19
7. Health Daniel Daniel 1:8-17
8. Ministry Church Acts 13:1-5
9. Protection Esther Esther 4:8-16
These nine fasts are not the only kind of fasts and they are not
totally separate from each other. Also, there is more than one type
of fast for a particular need. These are just suggestions to help
you on your way.
|
