“‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers.” (Isaiah 58:3, ESV)

The people were fasting; they were crying out to God and denying themselves. But God wasn’t answering their prayers. It seemed that their efforts were going unnoticed by heaven. What was happening? Their fasting was all about them while they remained indifferent to the needs of others.

“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:6–7, ESV)

They were fasting, bowing their heads, and covering themselves with sackcloth. But they oppressed their workers, pointed the finger, and spoke unlovingly of others they considered to be worse sinners than themselves. They hid themselves and refused to help their brothers and sisters who were in need. In short, they were religious hypocrites. Therefore, their fasting, humbling and praying were of no value.

I cannot read this chapter without being convicted. I find myself being critical of others without lifting a finger to help them. While it is true that people must ultimately learn to help themselves, it is far easier to judge others than to love them in deed and in truth. What if our Lord Jesus had left us in our sinful state rather than coming down to earth to help us and lay down His life for us?

If they would repent and start doing the things that pleased God and helped others, then God would quickly respond.

“Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’” (Isaiah 58:8–9a, ESV)

Moreover, God would use them to bring revival and restoration.

“And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.” (Isaiah 58:12, ESV)

I would love to see God do a mighty work of revival and restoration, but it begins with us. Where is God calling me to change? Where is He calling us to reach out in compassion toward others? May God help us not to please ourselves but to do those things that please Him and benefit others.