Eyes to SeeSample

The people of God thought they had it all figured out. We see in Isaiah 58 that they were religious people who fasted and wore sackcloth on the right holidays, yet they wondered why God didn’t notice what good God-followers they were.

God made it very clear that He is not impressed with religious performances. That’s not what He asked them to do. Instead, He calls His people to deep, personal, and genuine commitment on behalf of the poor and oppressed, both then and now.

The religious acts of the Israelites were empty because they weren’t paired with genuine love and concern for others. The ‘others’ here included the oppressed, the hungry, the homeless, and the poor. The religion God was interested in wasn’t superficial theatre but a position of the heart that resulted in actual costly sacrifice.

Allison of Niagara, ON, was living the North American dream when God woke her up to His true fast. “I was sitting at home, and I found myself inconsolable. Literally weeping,” she says. “It was perplexing because, at the time, I had everything I had ever dreamed of—two beautiful and healthy children, a loving and supportive husband, a prosperous career in the finance industry, and my dream home. And yet, I realized that what was affecting me so deeply was that my heart was not aligned with God’s. Painfully, I realized I was more driven by consumerism, individualism, and success than serving or sacrificing. And so, I began to realign my heart to His. Asking Him to break my heart for what breaks His.”

Allison and her husband felt God was calling them to a lifestyle of compassion and justice, specifically toward needy children. In response, Allison left her job, they sold their dream home and downsized their lives to live more generously—and to symbolically walk away from their old way of life. Today, she uses her voice to raise awareness for the plight of children in poverty.

If you were to look at your own life, does following Jesus cost you something? Or are your sacrifices superficial, like the fasting of the Israelites?

Few of us would say we’re for injustice. No one wants to see people continue in slavery, prison, or oppression. But can we say that we are actively for justice? Do our actions reflect God’s values, or do they show us to be neutral? Is there even such a thing as being neutral? This isn’t about doing enough good to win God’s favour. It’s about God stirring our hearts. It’s about God stirring up His people to rise up and fight for the most vulnerable around us.

Reflection

• Stand back and look at your Christian life. How much of it involves outward Christian acts like the Israelites, and how much of it involves the chosen fast that God describes?

Prayer

Lord, I know that You aren’t interested in outward piety. You care about my heart. You want my expression of faith to include caring for vulnerable and oppressed people. Thank You for being patient with me, even when I get it wrong. Please give me Your heart for this world. Amen