Scripture: Isaiah 58:6-7
Isn’t this the fast I choose: releasing wicked restraints, untying the ropes of a yoke, setting free the mistreated, and breaking every yoke? Isn’t it sharing your bread with the hungry and bringing the homeless poor into your house, covering the naked when you see them, and not hiding from your own family?
Thought for the Day: I am writing this devotional while attending the Area Men’s Retreat (I’ll be back this morning for worship). Earlier today (Friday), Dr. Warren Carter from Brite Divinity School talked to us about acts of mercy, specifically found in Matthew’s telling of the Sermon on the Mount. But then Dr. Carter pointed us to Isaiah, and suggested that fasting took on new meaning with the above words. It was no longer about refraining from something, but making room for acts of mercy – serving those in need. “Isn’t this the fast I choose,” asked the Lord/Prophet. This is a good reminder of how the Spiritual Practices, from fasting to prayer, meditation to study, are not intended to show off our spiritual superiority. They are all about the Kingdom of God, and its manifestation through the faith community. From an outsiders perspective, a group of people bragging about how long they can go without food isn’t all that impressive or interesting. On the other hand, I believe people will take notice of a group who appears to fast from the irrelevant for the purpose of making room for works of mercy.
Prayer: Teach me to fast from what isn’t all that helpful or meaningful, O Lord of All, so as to make room for what will be helpful and meaningful. This I request as one who desires to be an agent of your mercy. Amen.
LENTEN WORSHIP
9am & 11am
