Isaiah 58:1 — Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet;
Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins.
Fasting and prayer should begin with repentance—Holy Spirit conviction, personal and corporate confession and significant conversion and/or correction. I will not be focussing on repentance here but would recommend you listen to my message on repentance available in the media section of the church’s website. As we begin with repentance, we will need to understand the importance and difference between personal and group repentance. The message series during this fast is “God’s Chosen Fast” and will have all the major themes covered during our time of fasting and prayer.
We begin our journey through Isaiah 58 with God calling us to repent for “transgressions” and “sins.” The Hebrew word for “transgressions” can also be translated as rebellion or revolt. To rebel is defined as “to reject, resist, or rise in arms against one's government or ruler.” (dictionary.com) While I may seldom openly rebel against God, how often do I reject His counsel or resist Him. Even the slightest resistance is rejecting His Lordship of my life. I transgress my authority when I take on His as opposed to Him delegating authority to me. My resistance reveals a root of rebellion that must be removed. Jesus never resisted the direction of His Father and neither should I … even if it lead me to a cross.
The Hebrew word for “sins” is rooted in the idea of missing the mark or way. In the New Testament, the Greek word “hamartia” also means missing the mark and is often translated as sin. How often have I sought after my own way? Followers of Christ were first called “people of the way” but it is Jesus’ way that must be followed. This repentance is more about how I missed the mark than it is about missing it. The Lord has provided all I need for life and godliness. He is holy and the Holy Spirit resides in me and He calls me to be holy. He has given me His Word as a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. So, my missing the mark is not about my inability but about my self-will interfering with His ability.
God says that I am to be challenged about this with a loud voice like a trumpet. I tend to hush and minimize my sin. God wants to highlight it. His interest is not in condemning me for my sins but in convicting me to the point of repentance. If I minimize my transgression and sin, then it cannot be completely uprooted. Today I will face it with courage and boldness and the power of the Holy Spirit!
Lord, forgive my rebellion and missing the mark. Reveal all self-will and resistance to You. Help me not to minimize sin but search me and try me and see if there is any wicked way in me. Lead me in Your everlasting way as I embark on this fast and take me to the centre of your mark for this time in my life.
[Also meditate on: Prov. 14:14, 16:2; Is. 53:6; Heb. 3:11-15]
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