May 13 Reading

True Fasting and Justice

Isaiah 58:1-12 (ESV)

1 Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Give ear to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah!
2 "What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?" says the Lord; "I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats.
3 When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts?
4 Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations—I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.
5 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.
6 When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.
7 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil,
8 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.
9 Take your stand against the injustices in your community and engage in meaningful actions that reflect compassion and righteousness.
10 Let your hearts be aligned with the will of God as you serve Him and others, drawing closer to His purpose for our lives.
11 As we reflect on these words, let us remember the importance of genuine worship, which includes our actions and our treatment of others.
12 May we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice, mercy, and compassion, honoring God through our deeds and relationships.