Growing in the Kingdom of God involves first of all coming into the Kingdom, knowing the nature and principles in the Kingdom, and making the decision to grow therein. Jesus Christ came to proclaim the one important truth, that ‘the Kingdom of God is at hand’, and he went ahead to tell his hearers the implications and what we ought to do (Mark 1:14-15). Coming to Jesus is the entry into the Kingdom; those who decide to come to Jesus are met with various challenges, but in overcoming them and focussing on our Lord there is great gain.

Today’s Scripture is addressed to those who have already made the choice to enter the Kingdom – they seek the Lord daily and delight to know His ways; they draw near to God even with fasting, but the Lord is ignoring them! There are things that can be forgiven when done by a child, but adults will be punished for the same. Attitudes and actions are evaluated by the level of maturity one has attained or actually the leve one is expected to have attained. Growth is therefore not optional, and growth in the Kingdom is of prime importance. Physically, those who refuse to grow emotionally, academically and mentally are in trouble, because time does not stop; it continues ticking and expectations grow – even the body grows! Sometimes we see babies in adult bodies, and this can be an absurdity.

Growing in the Kingdom of God in the context of fasting involves going beyond abstaining from food for twelve hours or a few days. It goes beyond counting forty days and jetting out of Lent into an ordinary carnal life. God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to those who seek the Lord to do more: To avoid and overcome quarrels, strife and wicked fists. God is not discrediting fasting, but He is saying that fasting alone is not enough; on the other hand, some people who dismiss fasting and concentrate on good works alone also need to grow. Good works that are described in the Scriptures are important, but growth demands that we go beyond that and take some time to fast and devote ourselves to God in seeking Him to order all our actions.

God bless you as you observe Lent.