Sin not Mistakes

Isaiah 58:9-14

Isaiah 58, is dealing with “Sin” not mistakes, these chosen people of God had chosen to ignore God’s commandment of the Sabbath and put in its place the act of fasting that was not a commandment of God.  It is amazing how stupid we can be to think we can manipulate God with an outward action of the flesh like fasting, and ignore a command like keeping the Sabbath as holy unto God.  God is telling us that was the intent of these people, in no way is fasting evil if you are lead to do so, but not to gain favor when you are sinning by braking the Laws of God.

If you go back to Isaiah 58:5-8, and see God’s definition of the fast He chose for His followers.  It should be important to see what God has promised to those who choose this fast, a summary of verses 8-14 show what God will do with such a person.  As the people moved from being all about self to other centered, God tells us His light will break forth in them and the righteousness of the Holy One will go before you and the LORD will be your rear guard.  You will pray and God will answer, you will have fellowship with Him, and God will be your guide and satisfy your desires in scorched places, and make your bones strong, and you will be like a spring of water to those you minister to.

But God is not through, listen to this, God will use them to rebuild the ancient ruins and they will be the one raising up the foundation of many generations.  God is addressing the rebuilding of Jerusalem, but if they are obedient it will lead to prosperity for them and for future generations.

It is going to be God’s way or the highway, it was a choice for them, as it is for us today, and this was what had to happen for these folks to return to being blessed.  Verses 13-14 are very clear, there is only one way for a child of God and that is God’s way.  “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the LORD honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”  (Isaiah 58:13-14 ESV)

God never asks His kids to give a small part of this fleeting life to Him.  He wants us to give it all!

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice