Scripture: [The fast that I have chosen] is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; 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.’ (Isaiah 58:7-9)
If anyone desires to come after Me, let them deny themselves, and take up their cross, and follow Me. (Matthew 16:24)
Observation: We must remember that Jesus delineates casual onlookers from true disciples not by what they believe or profess, but by what they do. He calls us to first deny ourselves, then to take up our cross, and finally to follow Him. Fasting is a discipline of self-denial in which we shift the focus onto loving God and others. Fasting isn’t about you – it’s about getting your flesh out of the way so that God’s Kingdom can come and will be done in your sphere of influence. If we truly share His passions, we will be engaged in His mission (Matthew 28:18-20).
Application: Fasting that pleases God is not only about self-sacrifice, but also about serving others that need it. We are to feed the hungry, help the outcasts, clothe the needy, and to show care and concern for your family and community. In this fast, look for opportunities to serve those that need it. God responds to those who share His heart (Luke 4:18-19).
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for today. You are so good. Lord, I need You. Help me to follow Your heart. Give me eyes to see what You are doing in my life and in those around me. Help me to serve those You are sending me to in my life. Give me the strength to get low, to humble myself, and to serve others. Show me where my priorities are out of sync with Yours. Amen.
Worship: