Among Baptists, fasting is a very uncommon topic of discussion. Food and Baptists go together like Catholics and the Pope; they are inseparable. So, Isaiah 58 is an extremely difficult passage for me to understand in light of my upbringing.

Isaiah talks about the kind of fasting that existed among the Israelites, at the time of his writing. It was unacceptable to God. In verse 4 he makes this statement, “You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.” The question is, how did they fast?

Israel was exploiting people, taking advantage of them. They were quarreling. They were doing whatever pleased them. They were being religious on one day of the week and selfish every other day. Isaiah asks, “Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?”

I fast about once or twice a year. That’s it. I will choose a 24 or 36 hour period and only drink water and juice. I abstain from coffee; big sacrifice. And I devote the time I would eat to meditation and prayer. Not very impressive is it. John Wesley, founder of the modern Methodist movement, would not employ a minister that did not fast twice a week. I would not make that list in my present condition.

But I think that my fasting should apply to more than just my caloric intake. I think that I have glutted myself on stuff. I waste my earnings and indulge my cravings without a thought for how the well-being of others.

Isaiah says that if I would please God with an acceptable fast then I must “loose the chains of injustice” and I must help to “set the oppressed free”. I must “share my food with the hungry” and provide shelter for the poor wanderer.” I must “clothe the naked” and “not turn away from my own flesh and blood.” I’ve got to take care of as many needs as possible and, all the while, not neglect my own family in the process. Isaiah says this is a true fast.

I have not been on many, if any, of those. But I would like to. I’d like to be so unselfish that every day is an adventure in giving. I’d love to be known as the guy that went bankrupt helping the poor and the oppressed. But I have to do something to prove that’s what I really want. I have to push away from the table of affluence. I have to stop thinking about what pleases me and dwell only on what would please God.

They said of Jesus, “He eats with tax collectors and sinners.” Could they say the same of me? Until they can, I’m not fasting. “God, help me to push away from the table that you’ve set for all the world. Help me to understand that your abundance is to be shared, not horded. Please give me the grace and the courage to help the poor and oppressed in their struggles. I would fast so that I might please you. Help me to fast more each day. Thank you. Amen.”