Monday 06 February 2012

Background

In these closing chapters of Isaiah, we read about thechallenges that God's people face when they are caught between theexpectations and hopes of the coming kingdom of God - a place ofrestoration and hope. This is the place where "[God]'ll wipe everytear from their eyes. Death is gone for good-tears gone, cryinggone, pain gone - all the first order of things gone" (Revelation21:4 (The Message)), whilst struggling with the present realitywhich is so full of tears, death, crying and pain. 

One of the great treasures of a spiritual life is the discovery ofdisciplines and tools which help to enable further engagement withGod, and intercession for self and the world. In this passage fromIsaiah 58, we are given a glimpse of God's people caught in thetension of the tears and tragedy of the present reality, the hopeof the coming kingdom and reign of God, and the rituals that helpto express this tension. 

Fasting is a tool for prayer. For the Israelites, it was acorporate practice, used to demonstrate repentance and to markbereavement. As a practice, it remains an important spiritualdiscipline for people of all faiths around the world. 

However, God, through Isaiah, is not painting a positive picture offasting here. Rather than being an exploration of confession,sinfulness and mourning, fasting was becoming a sham. God knowswhat is going on in the hearts of people, and recognises thosetimes when the actions do not match the intentions. 

The Israelites are angry because it appears that God has not heardtheir petitions and their confessions - and God is angry becausethe petitions have been superficial, and not matched withtransformation. True fasting is not just about abstinence of foodand drink (and in today's technological culture, many people arenow developing 'digital sabbaths' where they abstain from socialmedia and technology). True fasting is about adopting a lifestylethat is generous and grace-filled, and hopeful andhospitable. 

By taking fasting seriously (the transformation of self andsociety, and living in the reality of the kingdom of God), we maybe better equipped in our contemporary society to address some ofthe negative relationships that we have with food and our bodies,which is so shockingly seen through the rise of eating disorders,self harm and obesity. 

To Ponder

Should Christians fast? Why/why not?

How might you use the discipline of fasting thisweek?

What do you think/feel about God knowing yourintentions behind your actions? What difference does hearing thismake to you today?