Lessons in the Wilderness - Part 1
Isaiah 58:1-12
Ash Wednesday - The first day of Lent. Ash Wednesday reminds us that "From dust, we come and to dust, we shall return." (Ecclesiastes 3:20) This day also marks day one of fasting for the next forty days. Perhaps we are fasting a meal, reminding ourselves that Jesus is the Bread of Life and can satisfy our hunger in ways that food never will. Perhaps we are giving up soda or coffee, reminding ourselves that Jesus keeps us going through each moment of the day and we, therefore, do not need these sugary, caffeinated beverages to make it through. Or, maybe we are fasting social media or television, to eliminate wasted time and spend intentional time with our Lord.
Whatever it is that we choose to fast during this season, we should remember why we are doing it. Are we fasting because we are religious and we know it is what we are supposed to do? Are we fasting out of obligation? Perhaps we don't want others to think poorly of us because we aren't participating so we reluctantly participate. This text in Isaiah reminds us of something very important: Our fasting should be a sacred form of worship and an opportunity to grow. I think we should focus more on what we are gaining and learning than what we are giving up. I don't think God intended for us to fast only to gain something for ourselves but to rely fully on Him and be aware of what He's teaching us and where He's leading us.
For instance, if we are fasting a meal, perhaps we could use that time to take a meal to the hungry or to someone in need. If we are giving up coffee or sodas, we could raise funds or awareness for those in the world who don't even have clean water, let alone vanilla lattes or Dr. Pepper. If we are giving up television or social media, we can instead focus
on intentional contact with other people, face to face in true fellowship. The point is this: What does God want to teach us during this time of fasting? Does He simply want us to give something up for the sake of showing ourselves and others that we can do it? Or does He want to do something real, something different, something new in its place?
While we fast this season, let us not focus on achieving selfish desires or ambitions. Let us not get so fixated on our own religious practice that we turn a blind eye to the oppressed, hurting and hungry. Rather, let us look for opportunities with our newly focused hearts and minds to stand in the gap for these individuals. This is what brings glory and honor to our Lord.
Ash Wednesday - The first day of Lent. Ash Wednesday reminds us that "From dust, we come and to dust, we shall return." (Ecclesiastes 3:20) This day also marks day one of fasting for the next forty days. Perhaps we are fasting a meal, reminding ourselves that Jesus is the Bread of Life and can satisfy our hunger in ways that food never will. Perhaps we are giving up soda or coffee, reminding ourselves that Jesus keeps us going through each moment of the day and we, therefore, do not need these sugary, caffeinated beverages to make it through. Or, maybe we are fasting social media or television, to eliminate wasted time and spend intentional time with our Lord.
Whatever it is that we choose to fast during this season, we should remember why we are doing it. Are we fasting because we are religious and we know it is what we are supposed to do? Are we fasting out of obligation? Perhaps we don't want others to think poorly of us because we aren't participating so we reluctantly participate. This text in Isaiah reminds us of something very important: Our fasting should be a sacred form of worship and an opportunity to grow. I think we should focus more on what we are gaining and learning than what we are giving up. I don't think God intended for us to fast only to gain something for ourselves but to rely fully on Him and be aware of what He's teaching us and where He's leading us.
For instance, if we are fasting a meal, perhaps we could use that time to take a meal to the hungry or to someone in need. If we are giving up coffee or sodas, we could raise funds or awareness for those in the world who don't even have clean water, let alone vanilla lattes or Dr. Pepper. If we are giving up television or social media, we can instead focus
on intentional contact with other people, face to face in true fellowship. The point is this: What does God want to teach us during this time of fasting? Does He simply want us to give something up for the sake of showing ourselves and others that we can do it? Or does He want to do something real, something different, something new in its place?
While we fast this season, let us not focus on achieving selfish desires or ambitions. Let us not get so fixated on our own religious practice that we turn a blind eye to the oppressed, hurting and hungry. Rather, let us look for opportunities with our newly focused hearts and minds to stand in the gap for these individuals. This is what brings glory and honor to our Lord.
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