Mystery of Fasting, Freedom, and Mercy

To me, a great mystery is revealed in the Prophet Isaiah 

The Great Isaiah Scroll
(Image: bible-researcher.com)

Chapter 58:1-7 of Isaiah explains great mysteries of how God sees fasting.  It seems to me that our God wants us to be generous; giving financially and fulfilling the needs of the poor, helping our relatives in need. And some how, in some way it adds to our fasting and prayer power.  God likes it.

Fasting and mercy is a great Biblical secret of healing, answered prayer, and a blessed life.  By the way, it's understood that fasting and prayer is a means to connect even more profoundly with God in serious circumstances of life.   Jesus of Nazareth is The Man of Mercy. 

(Image: christcompels.com)

.... Let's read what  God  Himself has to say:    "WILL YOU CALL THIS A FAST, AND A DAY ACCEPTABLE TO THE LORD?  IS NOT THIS THE FAST THAT I CHOSE; TO LOOSE THE BOUNDS OF WICKEDNESS, AND UNDO THE STRAPS OF THE YOKE, TO LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE, AND TO BREAK EVERY YOKE."  (Is. 58:5b,6 ESV)  When we find ourselves or our loved ones bound by wickedness, under a yoke, and oppressed in this world fasting has incredible power to break that yoke, or bondage off of us, or our loved one in need.  So, always add fasting to your prayers.  God is mighty to save, Jesus sets the captives free.  And don't stop praying.

 Who would have thought  that a generous and giving heart, willing to share, would be so significant to the Almighty Father.  

(Image: lookinguntojesus.net)

Jesus is kind and merciful  and giving to us.  He wants us to give also. God goes on about fasting:  IS IT NOT TO SHARE YOUR BREAD WITH THE HUNGRY, AND BRING THE HOMELESS POOR INTO YOUR HOUSE; WHEN YOU SEE THE NAKED, COVER HIM, AND DO NOT HIDE YOURSELF FROM YOUR OWN FLESH? (v.7)  One commentary states:  "This passage indicates that the acceptable fast is not merely abstinence from food or water but a decision to fully obey God's commands but a decision to fully care for the poor and oppressed." (Wikipedia)  

 Why is it that God equates the two together?  Because He likes mercy. HE HAS SHOW YOU, O MORTAL WHAT IS GOOD.  AND WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF YOU?  TO ACT JUSTLY, TO LOVE MERCY, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD." (Mica 6:8) God requires mercy of mankind.  That's a prerequisite to the power of fasting. Jesus says:  "BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY SHALL RECEIVE MERCY." (Sermon on the Mount)

What's the bottom line of fasting?   Merciful actions in life.  Unimaginable!  Super health, super answers to prayer from God above.  God reveals this:  "THEN SHALL YOUR LIGHT BREAK FORTH LIKE THE DAWN, AND YOUR HEALING SHALL SPRING FORTH SPEEDILY.  YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL GO BEFORE YOU AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHALL BE YOUR REAR GUARD.  THEN YOU SHALL CALL, AND THE LORD WILL ANSWER; YOU SHALL CRY AND HE WILL SAY, "HERE I AM."  (v. 8,9a)

Here are God's conditions  for super healthy fasting:  IF YOU TAKE AWAY THE YOKE FROM YOUR MIDST, THE POINTING OF THE FINGER, AND SPEAKING WICKEDNESS.  IF YOU POUR YOURSELF OUT TO THE HUNGRY AND SATISFY THE DESIRE OF THE AFFLICTED, THEN SHALL YOUR LIGHT RISE IN THE DARKNESS AND YOUR GLOOM BE AS THE NOON DAY.  AND THE LORD WILL GUIDE YOU CONTINUALLY AND SATISFY YOUR DESIRE IN SCORCHED PLACES,AND MAKE YOUR BONES STRONG; AND YOU WILL BE LIKE A WATERED GARDEN, LIKE A SPRING OF WATER, WHOSE WATERS DO NOT FAIL. (Is. 58:9b-11 ESV)

Let us consider these wonderful fasting and health secrets of the Bible.  We've included the they mystery of mercy concerning fasting to God.  HE IS A REWARDER OF THOSE WHO SEEK HIM. (Hebrews 11:6b)    God bless you.