The practice of fasting is one of the most powerful spiritual practices, when combined with prayer. Fasting creates a space for God to work in our lives in a way that is different than other practices. When we fast, we are abstaining from natural food to feed on spiritual food, the Word of God. Fasting creates a special dependence on God that draws us closer to God. We learn the greater depth of our humanity and how dependent we are on food, but moreover how much more we are dependent on God. Let us examine the biblical basis for fasting.
Jesus expects his followers to fast. He says, "And when you fast..." (Matthew 6:16). Jesus does not say if, but when. This implies that Jesus calls us to fast just like we would pray (6:5,7) or give (6:2). Fasting should be part of our spiritual practices on a Spirit-led and Spirit-determined basis.
Three Types of Fasts
The Normal Fast: This type of fast is when a person abstains from all food, solid or liquid, but continues to drink water. Jesus practices this fast in Matthew 4:2 and Luke 4:2. Other instances of the normal fast include: Nehemiah 1:4, Luke 2:37, Acts 13:2, Acts 14:23.
The Partial Fast: This type of fast allows for different types and variations of fasting. For example, Daniel did what is known as a "Daniel fast" in Daniel 1:8-17. In this fast, Daniel refrained from the king's rations and from wine. He only ate vegetables and drank water. The partial fast can be modified for certain medical conditions, guidance from God, or to practice a different type and form of fasting - like the "Daniel fast."
The Absolute Fast: This fast abstains from all food and water. The absolute fast is generally only done under extreme circumstances and for emergencies, and generally only as God directs. The human body can only sustain an absolute fast for three days, then serious injury and possibly death follow after three days. This fast is evidenced in Exodus 34:28, Ezra 10:6, Ester 4:16 and Acts 9:9.
Motives When Fasting
When we fast, Jesus wants us to have pure motives and right living.
"And when you fast, don't put on a sad face like the hypocrites. They distort their faces so people will know they are fasting. I assure you that they have their reward. When you fast, brush your hair and wash your face. Then you won't look like you are fasting to people, but only to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:16-18
Fasting requires right motives.
"Shout loudly, don't hold back; raise your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their crime, to the house of Jacob their sins. They seek me day after day, desiring knowledge of my ways like a nation that acted righteously, that didn't abandon their God. They ask me for righteous judgments, wanting to be close to God. 'Why do we fast and you don't see; why afflict ourselves and you don't notice?' Yet on your fast day you do whatever you want, and oppress all your workers. You quarrel and brawl, and then you fast; you hit each other violently with your fists. You shouldn't fast as you are doing today if you want to make your voice heard on high. Is this the kind of fast I choose, a day of self-affliction, of bending one's head like a reed and of lying down in mourning clothing and ashes? Is this what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? Isn't this the fast I choose: releasing wicked restraints, untying the ropes of a yoke, setting free the mistreated, and breaking every yoke? Isn't it sharing your bread with the hungry and bringing the homeless poor into your house, covering the naked when you see them, and not hiding from your own family? Then your light will break out like the dawn, and you will be healed quickly. Your righteousness will walk before you, and the Lord's glory will be your rear guard." Isaiah 58:1-8
Why & When to Fast
To humble ourselves before God with a request.
"Then I called a fast there at the Ahava River so that we might submit before our God and ask God for a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our possessions... So we fasted and prayed to our God for this, and God responded to us." Ezra 8:21, 23
In repentance and to change God's mind.
"And the people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and put on mourning clothes, from the greatest of them to the least significant... God saw what they were doing - that they ceased their evil behavior. So God stopped planning to destroy them, and God didn't do it." Jonah 3:5, 10
For confession of sin and revelation.
"I, Daniel, pondered the scrolls, specifically the number of years that it would take to complete Jerusalem's desolation according to the Lord's word to the prophet Jeremiah. It was seventy years. I then turned my face to my Lord God, asking for an answer with prayer and pleading, and with fasting, mourning clothes, and ashes. As I prayed to the Lord my God, I made this confession: While I was still speaking my prayer for help to the Lord my God about my God's holy mountain - while I was still speaking this prayer, Gabriel approached me at the time of the evening offering. This was the same Gabriel I had seen in my earlier vision. He explained as he spoke with me..." Daniel 9:2-4a, 20-22a
When encountering difficult spiritual warfare, we can fast.
"After Jesus went into a house, his disciples asked him privately, 'Why couldn't we throw this [evil] spirit out?' Jesus answered, 'Throwing this kind of [evil] spirit out requires prayer and fasting.'" Mark 9:28-29
A Final Note
If a person has a medical condition or an eating struggle, fasting from food is not ideal. Consult a medical doctor before fasting if you have any type of medical condition that may cause damage to your body. And if you have a struggle with food, such as anorexia or bulimia, than do not fast from food. Instead, pray and ask God how you are to fast, using a different means of fasting other than food.
For more information on fasting, consider reading How to Practically Fast or Reflections on a 10-Day Fast.
Jesus, as we understand the Scripture's call and directions for fasting, may we follow you in the practice of fasting to know you more fully and partner with you to advance your kingdom. Amen.
Further Fasting Resources:
Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough, Elmer Towns
Knowing God through Fasting, Elmer Towns
God's Chosen Fast, Arthur Wallis
No comments:
Post a Comment