READ: Isaiah 58-59.
Verses chosen for meditation: Isa 58: 6, 8-9.
6 “Is not this
the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the
straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break
every yoke?
8 Then shall your
light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your
righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear
guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, “Here I am.” .. .. .
REFLECT
The last few verses in previous chapter 57, spoke about the joy and
blessings in restoration. When the Lord restores Israel, the people were to
live a life with a change heart. All their works were supposedly to be done for
His Name, and for His glory. But it was not so, according to the next chapter.
Chapter 58 voices a protest from a pious group who relied on external
practices religiously. They acted in pretence to be godly people. Contrary,
they practiced oppression and displayed shallow worship. Religious rituals were done irresponsibly,
with improper motives that do not gain divine favour at all, v.4.
The prophet was commanded to boldly inform Israel that they were
still continuing along a path of sin, especially when it comes to justice and
fair treatment for the less advantaged. Oppressing the poor and weak of
society, and burdening them with slavery, was the opposite of what they should
be doing.
Does some of these sounds familiar to us? I confess that it
is sometime for me. This is because outward observances sometimes have preoccupied
me, so much so that I have lost focus with God’s heart. I am thankful that for
the past few years, I have intentionally sought to focus on God alone, especially during
the Christmas festive cheers.
RELATE
Isaiah reminded that God had charged His people with practicing
their religious devotion irresponsibly. They were going through the motions of
religion but masking their oppression of the poor with empty and self-serving
rituals (Isa 58:1-7). For example, the Lord reprimanded that they fasted to please
themselves, v.3. This didn’t win divine favor obviously as they were merely practicing
false worship to God. God hid His eyes from them and didn’t answer their
prayers (1:15). The Lord told them to repent and display outward acts of caring
for others (58:6-7). If they did that, He told them that He will answer when
they cried out for help, v.9.
This reminds us that we could be the same. We are devoted to “religious
activities” or outward religious observances that deemed to be acceptable to the
Lord. We
fast, we tithe, we pray, attend Sunday worship regularly, we serve or even teach
the Word. But all these are not substitutes for godly living. More importantly, do we see the inward changes in us? If so, it will result in the true worship of God.
One’s genuine repentance is evidenced by his/her
behaviour - how one treats the poor and hungry. Genuine repentance will lead to
genuine blessing. The Israelites were fasting but still quarrelling and fighting. Instead,
said Isaiah: “Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of
those who work for you. . .. . Share your food with the hungry and give shelter
to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from
relatives who need your help” (Isa 58:6-7). Isn't these not what Jesus has taught us in His Gospel? So, in other words, religious observation such as fasting
without genuine repentance was useless, if we did not experience the change of
heart that would inspire us to treat others justly.
Jesus as the Light (theological metaphor that represent the presence of
God, associated with His perfect justice and righteousness) is our perfect
model who has come to change us inside out to sincerely serve God and men.
Therefore, let’s be watchful with ourselves first by asking, if there is a change of
heart in us. Then, the acid test for us is not, “What does my salvation (notice
I didn't say “religion” do..) do for me?” Instead, ask, “What does my new person make
me do for others?”
REST
Dear God, please help our faith to be real, not phony. Help me to live an
authentic Christian life to glorify You, but not to smear Your Name. In Jesus’
Name, we ask. Amen.
Vincent
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