A True Fast
for the Free Methodist Church

May 19 - June 27

Fasting should be a routine spiritual discipline for every Christian. But it should be more than a religious act. In Isaiah 58 we read about God's view of fasting. It seems that the people of God were befuddled that their religious fasting did not "pay off." They sought God for "just decisions" and for Him to "come near them." They thought they were doing everything right. But God had another perspective - a perspective that expects those who fervently seek God to fervently seek to express the heart of God to people with all sorts of needs.

Their failure to add this dimension to their fasting resulted in the lack of the very presence of God they so religiously sought. In their frustration they cried out the bitter question: "Why have we fasted and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?" (Isaiah 58:3)

God answered their complaint by challenging them to change their approach, "You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high." (verse 4) The next six verses reveal what a true fast that pleases God is like and contains a tremendous promise about the results of true fasting.

ISA 58:5
Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
only a day for a man to humble himself?
Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed
and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the LORD?

We're looking for 10,000 Free Methodists to participate in some way
from May 19-June 27. Are you willing?
For an overview of the many options
for participating in
A True Fast for the Free Methodist Church
Click here.

ISA 58:6
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?

ISA 58:7
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter--
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

ISA 58:8
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

ISA 58:9
Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,

ISA 58:10
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.

ISA 58:11
The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.