“Be careful NOT TO PERFORM YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS before men TO BE SEEN by them. If you do, you will HAVE NO REWARD from your Father in heaven….” Matthew 6: 1 BSB (Emphasis mine)
Today, we are going to continue with how to conduct ourselves in the moments of fasting in order to effectively receive the desired results, as we pick it up from where we left off in the analysis of Isaiah 58:3-11.
“Then YOUR SALVATION WILL COME LIKE THE DAWN, and YOUR WOUNDS WILL QUICKLY HEAL. Your GODLINESS (Righteous acts) WILL LEAD YOU FORWARD (Pave way for you), and THE GLORY OF THE LORD WILL PROTECT YOU FROM BEHIND. Then when you call, THE LORD WILL ANSWER. ‘YES, I AM HERE,’ he will quickly reply. “REMOVE THE HEAVY YOKE OF OPPRESSION. STOP POINTING YOUR FINGER AND SPREADING VICIOUS RUMORS! V8-9, NLT (Emphasis & insertions mine).
The first phrase “Then YOUR SALVATION WILL COME LIKE THE DAWN” suggest that when we are able to comply with all the recommendation by Isaiah the prophet from the verses 3-7, then, our salvation which implies to our redemption or deliverance will be initiated. In other words, the reason for the fasting will begin to have effect.
The second phrase “and YOUR WOUNDS WILL QUICKLY HEAL” refers to the promise of restoration we will receive for the affliction or the discomfort we experienced by not eating and also releasing or forgiving those who offended us during our period of fasting.
The third phrase “Your GODLINESS WILL LEAD YOU FORWARD” refers to how our ‘RIGHTEOUS ACTS’ such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and providing shelter for the homeless etc. will pave way for the emergence of our breakthrough in the moment of our fasting.
The phrases “and THE GLORY OF THE LORD WILL PROTECT YOU FROM BEHIND. Then when you call, THE LORD WILL ANSWER. ‘YES, I AM HERE,’ he will quickly reply.” Refers to the assurance of God’s glory and protection we that we will benefit in the moments of our vulnerability. Not just that, but also the assurance of rewards or positive response to our prayers or petitions we submitted during our fasting period.
Furthermore, the phrase “REMOVE THE HEAVY YOKE OF OPPRESSION.” suggests we put an end to the oppressive or the tyrannic attitude we exhibit in our various homes, churches and work places. For some of us people practically tremble at our presence not because they revere or adores us, but they are rather intimidated, yet we tout ourselves with Christianity. We must learn to live in humility and harmony with those around us.
Finally, the phrase “STOP POINTING YOUR FINGER AND SPREADING VICIOUS RUMORS!” suggests we put an end to the blame game and rumor mongering. Some of us will never accept our flaws or faults in anything but always pointing accusing fingers. Others too are busy peddling rumors which they cannot substantiate. I have seen and heard fellow pastors and church members who keep spreading vicious rumors about their colleagues just to destroy them or make them unpopular. We need to put an end to these attitudes before they destroy us or impeding our blessing.
God bless us all as we continue in the next edition.
PRAY WITH ME
Lord Jesus, I thank you this day for my life. From this day forward, I have resolved in my heart to stop oppressing those around me, stop the blame game and the spreading of vicious rumors. Holy Spirit, please guide and help me achieve this. This I pray in the precious name of Jesus! Amen!
Author: REV. SOLOMON LUTTERODT
