Reading for July 14th

Read Isaiah 58.1-14. In 58.1-14: The fast acceptable to God. In verse 1-10: A fresh problem concerns those who manitain a bold public display of piety, but whose actions and way of life flout the basic equirements of justice and goodness. The central issue is fasting, self-denial aimed at concentrating mind and body on prayer, which was publicaly declared by wearing sackcloth (a rough garmnt) and smearing the face and hands with ashes (symbol of mortality) (v. 5). Yet such deeds unaccompanied by compassion and concern for those less fortunate were meaningless to God (vv. 6-9). In verses 11-14: The efforts to restore Jerusalem had focused on externals-restoring ancient buildings and replanting neglected field-instead of the inner recovery of spirutal health and wholeness. Only a renewal of this inner direction of life could bring about the true rebuilding of the city. Comments or Questions..