ypocrisy reproved. (1,2) A counterfeit and a true fast, with
promises to real godliness, and, (3-12) to the keeping the
sabbath. (13,14)
Verse 1,2: The Holy Spirit had hypocrites of every age in view.
Self-love and timid Christians may say, Spare thyself; dislike
to the cross and other motives will say, "Spare the rich and
powerful;" but God says, "Spare not:" and we must obey God, not
men. We all need earnestly to pray for God's assistance in
examining ourselves. Men may go far toward heaven, yet come
short; and they may go to hell with a good reputation.
Verses 3-12: A fast is a day to afflict the soul; if it does not
express true sorrow for sin, and does not promote the putting
away of sin, it is not a fast. These professors had shown sorrow
on stated or occasioned fasts. But they indulged pride,
covetousness, and malignant passions. To be liberal and merciful
is more acceptable to God than mere fasting, which, without
them, is vain and hypocritical. Many who seem humble in God's
house, are hard at home, and harass their families. But no man's
faith justifies, which does not work by love. Yet persons,
families, neighbourhoods, churches, or nations, show repentance
and sorrow for sin, by keeping a fast sincerely, and, from right
motives, repenting, and doing good works. The heavy yoke of sin
and oppression must be removed. As sin and sorrow dry the bones
and weaken the strongest human constitution; so the duties of
kindness and charity strengthen and refresh both body and mind.
Those who do justly and love mercy, shall have the comfort, even
in this world. Good works will bring the blessing of God,
provided they are done from love to God and man, and wrought in
the soul by the Holy Spirit.
Verse 13,14: The sabbath is a sign between God and his professing
people; his appointing it is a sign of his favour to them; and
their observing it is a sign of their obedience to him. We must
turn from travelling on that day; from doing our pleasure on
that holy day, without the control and restraint of conscience;
or from indulging in the pleasures of sense. On sabbath days we
must not follow our callings, or our pleasures. In all we say
and do, we must put a difference between this day and other
days. Even in Old Testament times the sabbath was called the
Lord's day, and is fitly called so still; and for a further
reason, it is the Lord Christ's day, (Re 1:10). If we thus
remember the sabbath day to keep it holy, we shall have the
comfort and profit of it, and have reason to say, It is good to
draw near to God.
ypocrisy reproved. (1,2) A counterfeit and a true fast, with
promises to real godliness, and, (3-12) to the keeping the
sabbath. (13,14)