I have been really challenged in my thinking in recent months and I shall be sharing much of this on Sundays at 11am from 16 September as we embark on a series called "Just Living". We shall confront the challenge to live justly, looking at global issues of poverty, justice, the environment, compassion and how as Christians God calls each one of us to respond to him in these areas.
Isaiah 58 calls us to true fasting which pre-echoes Jesus' manifesto in Luke 4:16-21 and Micah's call for us to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
I'd encourage you to read that chapter of Isaiah now – Isaiah 58.
I've also been reading "Fast Living – How the Church will End Extreme Poverty" by Scott Todd, this book looks at the true fasting God requires that we see in Isaiah 58. This is an audacious but achievable goal. For more information see www.live58.org/about - a website promoting "58:" which is a global initiative to end extreme poverty by living out Isaiah 58.
God's heart is for all people but many have identified in Jesus' own ministry what some have called a "bias for the poor".
As we "live 58" there is a place for fasting, shouting, uniting, giving and celebrating – we'll explore these this week.
Caring for the poor is not an option but the heartbeat of Jesus' mission. We align our heart with God's heart through prayer and fasting.
Some tips for fasting:
- Realize fasting is an ancient spiritual practice. Don't take it lightly.
- Start small with maybe just not eating a single meal.
- Don't limit yourself to food. You can fast from media, bad habits, certain situations, etc.
- Realize that fasting and prayer are interrelated. Fasting a meal without prayer is just a recipe to be grumpy from low blood sugar!
- Give up small things over a long time, say going without chocolate or alcohol for several weeks. The amount of money you save adds up and can help fund a project.
What is the true fast God is calling you to live?
Martin Saxby
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