SERVE THE NEEDY
SERVE THE NEEDY
Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the LORD? “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. —Isaiah 58:5-8
As we ponder this passage above we can clearly see what our Lord’s desires are. Fasting is not just to be an outward appearance, but an inward focus on His desires—
- Bonds of wickedness to be loosed
- Freedom from the yoke
- Freedom for the oppressed
- Feeding the hungry
- Shelter the homeless poor
- Provide clothing for the needy
- Not to ignore needs
In doing these things then will “your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.” Surely this is what our Lord desires of us. How is it that you and I can serve as He desires? May we help others that they too would become children of God. Yes, dear Father, please show me where You desire me to serve and I will do so. May it be in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Might Son, Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QANH8MWuyaE&list=RDGMEMMib4QpREwENw3_jAc0YgNwVMQANH8MWuyaE&start_radio=1