Scriptural
Reference:
"Is not this
the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo
the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break
every yoke?"
Isaiah 58:6
"So we fasted
and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty"
Ezra 8:23
"Yet even now,"
declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with
fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;"
Joel 2:12
"And when you
fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure
their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say
to you, they have
received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash
your face,
that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who
is in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Matthew 6:16-18
"You do not want
a sacrifice, or I would give it; You are not pleased with a burnt
offering. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. God, You
will not
despise a broken and humbled heart."
Psalm 51:16-17
Reflection:
There's a modern trend towards what is termed intermittent fasting.
Touted as being good for your health. With no mention of the spiritual
side to the activity. The world is all about the body and seems to completely
or expressly ignore the soul. But from a Christian point of view we
can learn from the Bible the importance of regular fasting. For the
three elements of the complete person. The Body, Mind and Spirit are
enriched when we fast and do it with the correct intention.
The Homily of Good
Works: And First of Fasting:
This homily defines
fasting as a vital spiritual discipline of voluntary, outward abstinence
from food and pleasures, aimed at humbling the body and aiding the soul
in prayer and repentance. It highlights both private, personal fasting
and public, communal fasting.
" Definition and
Purpose: Fasting is not just skipping meals but a deliberate act to
subdue the flesh (outward) and prepare the heart for sincere prayer
and repentance (inward).
Two Types of
Fasting:
Private Fasting:
Individual voluntary abstinence as a form of personal devotion is well
established. Even Jesus mentions this practice over a more worldly showing
form of fasting within Matthew 6:16-18. When we take time to privately
fast and pray we are setting aside a special time that we can spend
with our saviour. This form of fasting is perhaps one of the most intimate
times we can spend with our saviour.
Public Fasting:
A corporate, community-wide act, often to repent for sins or seek God's
favour, such as mentioned in the Old Testament as in times of distress.
Within the Old testament there are several mentions of fasting performed
collectively or as a public act of faith. These are said to be used
for the collective sincere repentance of the communities sin. As well
as a preparation for a time of difficulty that the people may be about
to face. This form of fasting can be found in Esther 4:16 and Joel 2:12-13,
As well as in Acts 13:2-3.
There are several
goals to the act of fasting. These goals may be broken down into;
Goal Centred:
The goal is to bring oneself closer to God and to "loosen the bands
of wickedness" and "undo heavy burdens" (Isaiah 58:6), rather than to
be a show of piety or legalistic merit. " This form of fasting is more
closely aligned with Private Fasting. As the goal or objective is developed
in the personal and private connection the individual has with the saviour.
To create a goal or purpose behind the act of fasting that is expressed
and experienced between the individual and Jesus becomes the corner
stone and focus of any form of outcome to be hoped for.
Heart Over
Form: The true value of fasting is not just the physical act
but the sincere, humble, and contrite heart that accompanies it. It
may be true to understand that fasting is based on the very act of abstaining
from food, drink or something that may be deemed to be coming between
the Christian and the saviour. Many Christians will abstain from a range
of things during the period of fasting as set aside by the church. This
period is set during the forty-day season of Lent. I for one have given
up drinking coffee as my personal form of fasting. To some this may
not seem like much. But I do have a very strong enjoyment of coffee.
So to give it up for the forty days is both a challenge and an action
of putting my hearts intentions over my physical deires.
What does need
to be considered is the difference between fasting as a physical act
and as a spiritual act of faith. For many Christian's the act of a "Heart
Over Fasting" refers to the principle that true biblical fasting is
a matter of the heart, focusing on spiritual desperation, dependence
on God, and repentance rather than merely an external religious ritual,
dieting, or a means to manipulate God. It is a voluntary, temporary
abstinence from food (and sometimes other comforts) that intensifies
prayer, humbles the believer, and aligns their heart with God's will.
I can understand how this sounds contradictory to what I said about
giving up coffee for a set period of forty days. But I would suggest
that it can and is still compatible. As long as my underlying motivation
for giving up coffee is not to impress myself but to bring myself in
line with a true form of personal submission with God and with my saviour
Jesus the Christ. The act is physical but the purpose remains spiritual
in intention.
As A Good
Work: It is considered a "good work" because it helps in spiritual
growth, self-discipline, and bringing the body into subjection to the
spirit, in line with scriptural examples. The text argues that fasting
should always be linked with prayer and mercy (charity), with the ultimate
focus being on God and not on the outward, physical act of abstinence.
If we focus on God and with an intent or purpose of why we are taking
time out to fast we may be able to use this time in prayer and abstinence
to take to God issues that are important to us and those around us.
A form of dedicated fasting with intent for others takes us to a new
level of commitment and connection with our creator.
Fasting Expressed:
At the very core of the subject, Christian
fasting is the voluntary, temporary abstinence from food or other pleasures
to focus on prayer, humble oneself before God, and seek spiritual breakthrough
. It is a "good work" because it intensifies reliance on God, aids in
fighting sin, and expresses a deep desire for His presence, often resulting
in renewed spiritual strength and clarity. So to review and sum up what
we can learn about the act of fasting we can take time to consider several
aspects.
Key Aspects
of Biblical Fasting:
Purpose: It is not a way to manipulate God, but to align
the heart with Him, repent, and show seriousness in seeking His guidance.
There will always be those who seek recognition for their time fasting.
We are told not be be as they. But to fast in humble acceptance of our
saviours gift of life and our renewed relationship with God.
Physical
Expression: Fasting allows believers to pray with their "whole
body," treating physical hunger as a prompt to pray and focus on spiritual
needs. As mentioned there are many ways we may take time to fast. The
church has set aside forty days to do this. How we individually fast
is something we each need to choose. As we seek to worship our Lord
Jesus the Christ.
Types:
While usually food-related, some fast from other comforts (technology,
entertainment) to increase focus on God. Here again we see that there
are many forms of fasting. As I just mentioned we might give up food.
But for many there are things that can become a hindrance to our daily
connection with our saviour. What can you think of As a form of personal
fasting?
Humility:
Fasting humbles the soul and acts As a spiritual tool to overcome temptation
and express repentance. We do not fast because of any selfish needs.
As those who fast seeking praise form others. We fast with humility
and in humble gratitude towards our creator and our saviour Jesus the
Christ.
Biblical
Reasons to Fast:
To Strengthen Prayer: Often accompanied by seeking God’s
guidance or protection. When we fast we are called to take time to pray
and repent. As well As to seek a deeper understanding and relationship
with God and with our saviour. At the time of fasting we will find our
thoughts are clearer and our minds are more focused. So we will become
strengthened in prayer and the sudy of God's word.
Repentance:
A way to show heartfelt sorrow for sin. As we are informed, all have
sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:23. We may fast when
we have found ourselves at a significant point when we have recognised
we have sinned. To address this we may take time to fast and pray for
God's continued forgiveness. Using the time to honestly seek God's grace
and forgiveness.
Grief/Intercession:
Used when struggling or when mourning, As described in the Bible. There
will be times when we will struggle with grief. At these times we can
quietly fast and pray for God's guidance. Through to a blessed assurance
that He is As always still in control of our lives. We may also use
the fast to pray for others. By interceding on their behalf. This form
of fast can open up God';s blessings for them. Without the fear of our
egos becoming entangled in our act of fasting.
Worship:
A method of worshiping God, As shown by Anna in Luke 2:37. We read of
a devout follower who never left the Temple. But stayed As she worshiped
night and day with fasting and prayers. Her prayers, supported by her
faithful fasts, was recognised by God. So that she lived to see the
salvation of Israel. She saw the baby Jesus the Christ and was blessed.
We too can use our times of fast As a form of personal and private worship.
How to Practice
Fasting (As described in the Bible):
Set a Purpose: Define the reason for the fast. Fasting
just for the sake of doing so is much like doing anything without a
purpose. It will bring about nothing. We eacg need to have a set purpose
As to why we are fasting. As mentioned thus far that purpose may be
to bring us closer to God. Or it may be to seek forgiveness for a sin
was have experienced. And it could be to intercede on someone behalf
in prayer and support. But in all cases it needs to be done humbly and
with purpose.
Be Consistent:
Dedicate the time saved from eating to Bible study and prayer. Fasting
only when the liturgical calendar tells us is really not enough. Yes,
we can say that we are being consistent in our times of commitment.
Yet it makes the practice more formulated and less spiritual. We need
to decide on setting aside time and purpose to fast and be committed
to do so.
Keep it Private:
Jesus taught that fasting should be done for God, not for public recognition
(Matthew 6:16–18). Jesus was not impressed with the Pharisees and religious
leaders who enjoyed standing in public. As their period of fasting was
on display for others to marvel and applaud. He teaches us that when
we fast As individuals we are to seek a private place and do so where
our only reward is from God.
Stay Focused:
Use feelings of hunger As a reminder to pray and look to Jesus. Sounds
easy enough. Yet the human mind is easily distracted. We have a wonderful
comment from Martin Luther. Who famously addressed the difficulty of
staying focused during the Lord's Prayer, noting that even his own mind
wandered to mundane tasks like finding a saddle and bridle while praying
. He joked that if anyone could pray the Lord's Prayer just once without
distraction, he would give them a horse.
So in closing I
recommend that we each seek to perform a regular fast for a closer connection
with our saviour. As well As the unique attributes As mentioned above.
Prayer: