What Should We Be and Do?

"Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke?" Isaiah 58:6

This chapter in Isaiah has meant a lot to me for a long time. To me, the verses answer the question that every Christian might ask himself or herself today: Lord, what should I be and do?

The beginning of the chapter paints a picture of God's responding to His people who are confused about their condition. The messenger is told to "cry loudly" and "not hold back." It is a bold message, spoken passionately to people who are equally both sincere and fruitless. They seek God "day by day" and delight to know His ways. "They delight in the nearness of God." And yet they ask why they fast and God doesn't see, and they humble themselves and God doesn't notice. They ask what's wrong.

The Lord's response is extensive, and verse six, above, is a part of it.

I find myself asking what are the bonds, bands, yoke, and oppression of people around us today. Is it poverty? Some form of addiction? Is it depression? Guilt? Rejection? Illiteracy? Loneliness? What are we to loosen, free, and break?

The people God spoke to were faithful in going through the motions of worship, and they were sincere in their desire to please God, but these things had not led them into the ministry God desired for them. It is a common problem found throughout the family of God's people. James, too, tells us that "Faith, if it has no works, is dead." As we begin this new year, please join me in asking, "Lord, what would you have me be and do? He wants us to love Him, and THAT kind of love relationship leads to faith in action!