January 12th – “Fasting”
“But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face” Matthew 6:17
The Old Testament law specifically required prayer and fasting for only one occasion, which was the Day of Atonement. This custom became known as “the day of fasting” (Jeremiah 36:6) or “the Fast” (Acts 27:9). Moses fasted during the 40 days and 40 nights he was on Mount Sinai receiving the law from God (Exodus 34:28). King Jehoshaphat called for a Fast in all Israel when they were about to be attacked by their enemies (2 Chronicles 20:3).
In response to Jonah’s preaching, the people of Nineveh fasted (Jonah 3:5). Prayer and fasting was often done in times of distress or trouble. David fasted when he learned that Saul and Jonathan had been killed (2 Samuel 1:12). Nehemiah had a time of prayer and fasting upon learning that Jerusalem was still in ruins (Nehemiah 1:4). Darius, the king of Persia, fasted all night after he was forced to put Daniel in the den of lions (Daniel 6:18).
Prayer and fasting also occur in the New Testament. Anna “worshipped night and day, fasting and praying” at the Temple (Luke 2:37). John the Baptist taught his disciples to fast (Mark 2:18). Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights before His temptation by Satan (Matthew 4:2). The Church of Antioch fasted (Acts 13:2) and sent Paul and Barnabas off on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:3). Paul and Barnabas spent time in prayer and fasting for the appointment of elders in the churches (Acts 14:23).
So, what is Fasting? Refraining from food for a spiritual purpose. Fasting is not for the “appearance” of spirituality. Fasting is spirituality. It is spiritual activity over natural activity, the denial of physical needs in order for spiritual needs to be met. Fasting increases your spirits control over your life. From the inception of Christianity, fasting was part of the normal Christian life. Read Matthew 6:16 which states, “Moreover when you fast, be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance, for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.”
THE ELIMINATION OF NATURAL THINGS UNCLUTTERS YOUR SPIRIT TO HEAR GOD IN AN INTENSIFIED WAY WITH PRECISION AND CLARITY.
More than any other single discipline, fasting reveals the things that we are fixated on and control us. We often cover up what is inside us with food and other things, but in fasting these things surface. Whatever controls us will be revealed almost immediately. Fasting then, is that spiritual mechanism or detox that brings to the surface all the well-hidden vices that threaten and block true spirituality. Fasting prepares us to live and operate with a Kingdom mindset. Heaven on earth. Kingdom is “Royalty”. Fasting enables the real you to emerge. You are Royalty. Fasting is “Rule”. Fasting prepares you for authority. Fasting is “Realm”. Fasting prepares you to possess.
The goal of fasting is not abstinence. The goal of Christian fasting is not going without but in fact, getting. Our abstinence always serves to bring us greater, and the greatest reward of fasting is MORE OF GOD. “Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the one who trusts in Him” Psalm 34:8.
Reflect: What vices do you need to detox from?
Prayer: Father, I thank you that as I fast and pray my life is being uncluttered from useless and damaging ways. As I seek Your face I’m making room for more of You and more of who You designed me to be.
Written by Pastor Richard J. Brown
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