The Fast God Chooses (Isa 58:6)
By David Hentschel
“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?” (Isaiah 58:6)
God’s idea of faithfulness often disrupts ours. In Isaiah 58, the people are fasting, praying, and seeking God—yet something is profoundly wrong. Their religious devotion is impressive on the outside but hollow at the center. So God speaks plainly: this is the fast I choose.
True worship does not terminate on ourselves. It bends outward. God’s chosen fast loosens what sin tightens, frees what injustice binds, and breaks yokes that crush image-bearers. The verse is not a rejection of spiritual disciplines, but a redefinition of them. Fasting that pleases God is not merely abstaining from food; it is participating in His redemptive work in the world.
Isaiah 58:6 reminds us that righteousness is not performative but restorative. God is not impressed by religious activity that leaves oppression untouched. He delights in hearts so aligned with His own that worship spills over into mercy, justice, and compassion.
The question this verse leaves us with is simple and searching: Does our devotion reflect the freedom-bringing heart of God? The fast He chooses still calls us to examine not just what we give up—but who we lift up.
MBC's Bible Engagement Plan
MBC’s Bible Engagement Plan: Isaiah – From Ruin to Redemption
As a church community, our desire is to move from hearing God’s Word to living it out daily. This Bible Engagement Plan is designed to help us walk through Isaiah together in a weekly rhythm that deepens our understanding while also cultivating habits of daily reading and reflection.
- LISTEN TO THE SUNDAY SERMON
Each week begins with the Pastor’s Sunday sermon on a passage from Isaiah and includes
- Pastor’s Outline: A guide to follow along and take notes. We also suggest picking up the Isaiah scripture journal from the Welcome Center.
- Discussion Questions: Provided to encourage reflection and conversation in small groups, families, or personal study. If you are not already part of a small group, consider joining one this Fall: Click here to explore one of MBC’s small groups
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE WEEKLY PLAN
Monday through Saturday, follow the suggested reading plan outlined in the Saturday eNews Bulletin. As you read and reflect on your passage each day, ask these two guiding questions and jot down your thoughts in your Isaiah journal.
- What does this passage reveal about God—His character, His purposes, or His promises?
- How should I respond in light of what I’ve read—through trust, obedience, repentance, or worship?
- MEMORIZE THE WEEKLY KEY VERSE
Every week, one key verse from the sermon will be highlighted for memory. You are invited to use the free Bible Memory app and join the “Millington Baptist Church” Bible memorization group: Click here to join
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE PASTOR’S DEVOTIONAL BLOG
Each Wednesday, one of our pastors will share a devotional expanding on the sermon theme helping to connect Isaiah’s message to everyday life.
Why This Rhythm Matters
- Immersion: This plan helps you engage learning in multiple ways—hearing, reading, memorizing, and reflecting—so you gain a richer understanding of Isaiah’s message.
- Transformation in Community: Discussion questions and shared readings create space for us to learn together and nurture application of the biblical principles into our daily lives.
Questions or comments?
Contact Amy Huber, Director of Discipleship and Connections: ahuber@millingtonbaptist.org
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Pastor Bob Erbig and Pastor Dave Hentschel
