1-5. A Reformatory Influence From God Needed—[Isaiah 58:1-3 quoted.] The people here described realize that they have not the favor of God; but instead of seeking His favor in His own way, they enter into a controversy with God. They ask why, since they observe so many ceremonies, the Lord does not give them special recognition. God answers their complaints: “Behold, in the day of your fast, ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.” These fasts are only outward show, mere pretense, a mockery of humility. These worshipers, while mourning and lamenting, retain all their objectionable traits of character. Their hearts are not humbled, nor cleansed from spiritual defilement. They have not received the softening showers of the grace of God. They are destitute of the Holy Spirit, destitute of the sweetness of the heavenly influence. They manifest no repentance, nor faith that works by love and purifies the soul. They are unjust and selfish in their dealings, mercilessly oppressing those whom they regard as their inferiors. Yet they charge God with a neglect to manifest His power to them, and exalt them above others because of their righteousness. The Lord sends them a message of positive reproof, showing why they are not visited by His grace (Manuscript 48, 1900).{4BC 1150.3}

1-5. Brug for en reformerende indflydelse fra Gud. - [Es. 58,1-3 citeret.] Det folk, der her beskrives, indser, at de ikke har Guds gunst; men i stedet for at søge hans gunst på hans egen måde, strides de med Gud. De spørger, hvorfor Herren ikke viser dem særlig anerkendelse, eftersom de overholder så mange ceremonier. Disse faster er kun udvortes opvisning, blot forstillelse, forhånelse af ydmyghed. Disse tilbedere beholder alle deres forkastelige karaktertræk, mens de sørger og græder. Deres hjerter er ikke ydmyge og renset fra åndelig besmittelse. De har ikke fået Guds nådes formildende regn. De mangler Helligånden og den himmelske indflydelses liflighed. De viser ingen anger og ingen tro, der er virksom i kærlighed og renser sjælen. De er uretfærdige og selviske i deres færd, idet de ubarmhjertigt undertrykker dem, som de betragter som underordnede. Dog beskylder de Gud for at have forsømt at vise dem sin kraft og ophøje dem over andre på grund af deres retfærdighed. Herren sender dem et irettesættelses budskab, der viser, hvorfor de ikke har fået hans nåde. (MS 48, 1900).