20.2.15

True Fasting

February 20, 2015
Opening Hymns:
280 All Glory Laud and Honor  
http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh280.sht
Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 58:1-12

“Shout it aloud, do not hold back.
    Raise your voice like a trumpet.
Declare to my people their rebellion
    and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.
For day after day they seek me out;
    they seem eager to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that does what is right
    and has not forsaken the commands of its God.
They ask me for just decisions
    and seem eager for God to come near them.
‘Why have we fasted,’ they say,
    ‘and you have not seen it?
Why have we humbled ourselves,
    and you have not noticed?’

“Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please
    and exploit all your workers.
Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,
    and in striking each other with wicked fists.
You cannot fast as you do today
    and expect your voice to be heard on high.
Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
    only a day for people to humble themselves?
Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed
    and for lying in sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
    a day acceptable to the Lord?

“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?
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 them,
    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
    and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness[a] will go before you,
    and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
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,
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.
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.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
    and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
    Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

Message:
This is the perfect scripture to start out the Lenten season. It reminds us what is truly important. This scripture talks of a people who know the act of fasting, but have forgotten the purpose. They are bowing their heads, yet continuing to act unjustly. They are praying for the Lord’s help, but not recognizing the help others need from them.  

During the Lenten season it is good for us to reflect on our own lives. In the business of everything, have we just been going through the motions? Have we forgotten the meaning of a fast, the reason we go to church, or the reason we pray? Do our actions reflect the love of God? Are we answering God’s call?
This season of Lent, be fully present at church, and in prayer. Remember the kind of fast that the Lord calls us to. One of service, justice, sharing, and love.  


Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, be with each of us during this season of Lent. Help us focus our minds and hearts on You. Forgive us when we go astray. Lead us back to a life serving You. Let us be a servant to others. Amen


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
438 Forth in Thy Name, O Lord
http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh438.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

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