Title: The Fast God Demands.

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Scripture:  
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?  
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?  — Isaiah 58:6-7

 Reflection: In Isaiah 58, God confronts a people who are outwardly religious—fasting, praying, and seeking Him daily—but inwardly disconnected from His heart. They perform rituals, yet ignore justice. They bow their heads in humility, yet fail to lift the burdens of others. Through the prophet, God redefines what true fasting looks like.
  The fast God demands is not merely abstaining from food. It is a lifestyle of compassion, justice, and mercy. It is a holy rebellion against oppression, a divine call to action that breaks chains and heals wounds. God’s chosen fast is deeply relational—it touches the lives of the hungry, the homeless, the naked, and the forgotten.
 What does this mean for us today?
- Loose the bands of wickedness: Speak truth. Stand against injustice. Refuse to be silent when evil prevails.
- Undo heavy burdens: Help carry the weight others cannot bear. Offer encouragement, resources, and presence.
- Let the oppressed go free: Advocate for the voiceless. Be a bridge to freedom.
- Break every yoke: Challenge systems that enslave. Be part of solutions that liberate.
- Deal your bread to the hungry: Share generously. Let your table be a place of grace.
- Bring the poor into your home: Make room in your life for those who have none.
- Cover the naked: Restore dignity. See people as God sees them.
- Do not hide from your own flesh: Recognize the humanity in others. We are all family.
 Prayer: Lord, teach me to fast in the way You desire—not with empty rituals, but with a heart that mirrors Yours. Help me to see the suffering around me and respond with love. Let my life be a living sacrifice, poured out for the healing of others. May my worship be justice, and my devotion be mercy. Amen.
 Today’s Challenge: Find one person in need—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—and serve them. Let your fast be felt, not just observed.

©Dr Joel Olanrewaju, gbemide09@gmail.com. Please share your thoughts here. Feel free to share this with your contacts. 


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