THE SHIELD OF CHRIST

 

Christ Shields Me by Greg Collins

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free….is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?

“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health hall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. “ (Isaiah 58:6-8)

“Rereward is an older word meaning “rear guard”. The Hebrew word asaph has the root meaning of  “to gather” and, as used in Isaiah 58:8, “it is applied to the gathering up of the scattered rear of an army, or the keeping it from straggling, and defending it from the attacks of an enemy” (William Wilson, Old Testament Word Studies, s.v. “rereward”.)

“A better translation would be “the glory of Jehovah will gather thee, or keep thee together, i.e. be thy rear-guard” (C.F. Keil and F. Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament, 7:2:390)

“When Israel is diligent in the performance of works of compassionate love, it is like an army on the march or travelling caravan, for which righteousness clears and shows the way as being the most appropriate gift of God, and whose rear is closed by the glory of God, which so conducts it to its goal that not one is left behind” (Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary, 7:2:390)

PROMISES OF FASTING (Isaiah 58:8-12):

·         You shall have light within, physical health, righteousness and the Lord will answer you and His glory will gather you;

·         God’s providence in time of lack (satisfy thy soul in draught);

·         Physical health (Make fat thy bones – as in marrow in the bones that manufactures blood);

·         Inspiration and wisdom (like a spring of water whose waters fail not);

·         Strength and foundation for posterity and restoration of others (raise up the foundations of many generations and be a restorer of paths to dwell in)

When fasting has genuine spiritual purpose, its power breaks the bands of wickedness, sets free the spiritually oppressed, and provides bread for the hungry and covering for the naked Isaiah 58:6,7).  Fasting without spiritual motivation only engenders discomfort and irritability (Isaiah 58:4b – footnote)

“Fasting cures disease, dries up bodily tumours, puts demons to flight, gets rid of impure thoughts, makes the mind clearer, the heart purer, and the body sanctified, and raises man to the throne of God.”  (Athenaeus, Greek Physician)

Jesus fasted 40 days: Matthew 4:2

Moses fasted 40 days twice: Deuteronomy 9:9,18,25

Elijah fasted 40 days: 1 Kings 19:8

Esther fasted 3 days: Esther 4:16

Paul fasted 3 days: Acts 9:9

Alma Senior fasted 2 days and two nights: Mosiah 27:23

Alma the Son of Alma fasted 3 days: Alma 36:16

“Mortals can never attain the unity with Deity that it is their privilege to gain without fasting and prayer.” ( Bruce R. McConkie, Mortal Messiah Book 2, p 59)

“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am….” (Isaiah 58:6-8)

- CATHRYNE ALLEN