Power Fasting: Fasting & Justice

Scripture demonstrates that fasting is powerful when it is accompanied by prayer, and when it is accompanied with reading scripture.

It also teaches that effective fasting is linked with maintaining justice.

Today's readings focus on Isaiah and Zechariah.

Isaiah records that some people were asking why did they fast when it was not noticed (Isa 58:3)? Isaiah explains their mistake (Isa 58:3-5), that their fasting stands in opposition to their behaviour. They do as they please, continuing to exploit workers, and fighting amongst themselves. He explains to them that he has chosen a different type of fasting - that selfless attitude when compared to their selfish one (v6-7).

He assures them that if they would turn from their ways, with particular comment on doing away "with the yoke of oppression" over the poor, that they will see the rebuilding of their towns and streets, a restoration.

Something similar is going on in Zechariah 7 & 8.

After seven decades of regularly ‘mourning and fasting in the fifth month,’ the people ask the prophet if this is REALLY what God wants.

Zechariah replies that all along their fasting and their feasting has been about themselves and not about the Lord!

Then Zechariah brings God’s word to them: ‘Administer true justice, show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow, or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other’ (7:8).

And later adds: ‘Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgement in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not swear falsely’ (8:16-17).

And then Zechariah states that when they do this: ‘The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah’ (8:19).

‘Power Fasting’ involves prayer, engaging with scripture, and taking steps to see that justice is done. It also involves worship which we shall study later, but in the following episode we’ll look at how to practice fasting wisely beginning with Daniel’s practice of partial fasting.