Scripture to Read: Matthew 6:16
Jesus made it very clear that fasting is not about being noticed by anyone. We’re continuing to examine Isaiah 58:5–8 and will for the next couple of days. God wants us free from the bondage of this world. In other words, free from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:16). That is why God said in Isaiah 58:6, “Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke?” According to Webster's Dictionary, a “yoke” is “an arched wooden device formerly laid on the neck of a defeated person.” Take note: the person in bondage to the yoke is already a defeated individual. God wants us to be free in Him, to enjoy sweet fellowship with Him and to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Through fasting, bonds are broken, the oppressed are set free, and we fully realize all we have in Christ, who we are in Christ, and who He is as our King and Lord. Fasting is a time of cleansing and healing. We know fasting has physical benefits, but more importantly, it’s the spiritual benefits. For instance, fasting reduces our body weight, but spiritually, fasting is a great way to cut the worldly things out of our lives to spend more time with our Lord and be in His Word.
Challenge & Application
· What things have held you in bondage in the past, and how did you see God use fasting to break those bonds?
· Why do so many Christians not practice fasting today when they know God can use it to help them walk in victory?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!