We are currently in a series discussing 11 essential spiritual disciplines. Check out this post for an introduction to the series.
Fasting
Last night we continued our series on Spiritual Disciplines at Broadway Coffeehouse. We talked about a spiritual discipline that has basically been disregarded by the current and upcoming generations of believers: Fasting.
During our discussion we answered the following 6 questions:
1. What is fasting?
Traditionally, fasting is the practice of abstaining from food for a set period of time for the purpose of seeking God. Throughout the Old Testament we see two types of fasts: Public (II Chronicles 20:3; Ezra 8:21-23) and Private (II Samuel 12:15-23; I Kings 21:27; Psalm 69:1-15). Public fasts were generally directed to the whole nation of Israel and designed to refocus God’s people on His plan and provision in their life. They were usually initiated by one of God’s Prophets. Private fasts are done by individuals and generally have an emphasis on confession of sin and recognizing one’s complete and utter dependence on God. They’re also common before an individual makes a critical decision.
2. Should I only fast from food?
While the word “fast” in this context is almost always connected directly to food in Scripture, our culture has created a number of “fast” worthy activities and items. Many of us would find incredible value in setting aside time normally spent on our phone, social media sites, listening to music, playing video games, golfing, or _______________ for the purpose of communicating with our Savior. Ultimately, anything that takes time away from your relationship with God or distracts you from His plans and purpose in your life, is eligible for fasting.
3. What did Jesus have to say about it?
When discussing/learning about any topic, it is always a great idea to see what the most important man in history and King of kings had to say about it. Two of Jesus’ conversations about fasting seem rise to the surface when asking this question. The first is in a conversation with the expert fault-finding Pharisees,
Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. And people came and said to him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. (Mark 2:18-19 ESV)
We know from other passages that Jesus is the “bridegroom”. The church (all of us Christians) is His bride. He is our head, our protector, our savior, our king. So, when Jesus says that the “bridegroom” is with them so they don’t need to fast he talking about Himself. Why would the disciples run off to some quiet place when they have God standing right with them? In essence, the first thing Jesus says about fasting is that it is all about Him. Like everything else in all of creation, fasting is all about Jesus. It isn’t about you, your weight, your health, your priorities, your future, or anything else. It is simply about Jesus. It is about focusing on Him, conversing with Him, committing to Him, and realigning with Him. Exchanging your plans for the furthering of Christ’s Kingdom.
The second important conversation Jesus has regarding fasting is with His disciples,
“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 ESV)
Here, Jesus stresses the importance of fasting in order to seek the purposes of God, not the praises of man. It is amazing how many of us still try to impress those around us with our “super spirituality”. All spiritual disciplines are supposed to be indicative of what is really happening within our souls. If we are trying to impress people with our spirituality, there is something deeply disconnected in our hearts. Fasting is to be done in private as a way to honor and pursue God, not on the street corners as a way to draw honor and attention to ourselves.
4. Did Jesus fast?
Yes. In Matthew 4 we see Jesus fasting for 40 days. If fasting is all about Jesus, why would Jesus fast? There are 2 primary answers. First, Jesus was submitting to the will of the the Father. Jesus was certainly God, but during His time on earth, He was also fully human. He was tempted in the same way you and I are, so He found strength from the same source we do, God. Second, Jesus was setting an example for you and I. Now, I do not recommend that you go and fast for 40 days. The example was less about length of time and more about the significance of fasting. Jesus participated in this fast just before He began His public ministry. Jesus knew that things were about to get real. He chose to seek God with no distractions in order to prepare for an intense season in His life.
5. Did the early church fast?
Yes. In Acts 13, 14, and 27 we see examples of early Christians fasting. After Jesus ascended to heaven, His people found value and significance in seeking Him undistracted.
6. Should I fast?
Yes. Jesus follows His words in the Mark passage above with these:
The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day. (Mark 2:20 ESV)
Jesus fully intended for you and I to fast. His disciples didn’t need to fast when He was with them, but after He ascends to heaven, they are some of the first people to take part in the practice of fasting.
7. What is the deeper truth of fasting?
Spiritual Disciplines are incredibly important in the believer’s life and should be practiced regularly. However, it is important to remember that they are not a substitute for righteousness and always point to a deeper reality. In Matthew 16 Jesus says,
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 16:24-25 ESV)
And, in Isaiah 58 we read,
“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? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? (Isaiah 58:6-7 ESV)
The truth is, fasting is a small glimpse of what Jesus desires from His followers. Where fasting is momentary commitment and devotion to God’s purpose, Jesus demands a life of commitment and devotion. Please understand, this demand is not a requirement for initial salvation. You and I are made right with God and placed in His family forever, simply by believing in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins. This demand is about discipleship. About following Jesus wherever He leads. About bringing glimpses of His kingdom to this earth. About seeing lost people saved and slaves set free. About loving people radically and unconditionally. It is about living a life that reflects what has taken place in your soul. It is about Transformation.
I wholeheartedly encourage each one of you take a look at what should be removed from your life for a short-season so you can seek God more fully. Personally, I could stand to drink less coffee. Each time I think about having a coffee, I could replace the time it takes to brew it, buy it, or drink it; with time connecting with God. However, the deeper reality is this:
Jesus doesn’t want your coffee (or you lunch, or your video games, etc…), He wants your life.
My prayer for each of you is that you begin to develop a regular time of fasting in your life… but even more, that you see God’s call on your whole life.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV)