“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17) But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18) so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:16-18 NKJV)
A practice with many churches, is to have a public, congregational fast, at the beginning of the year. Is this Biblical? According to Jesus’s own words, we are to seek God in private. Many do not understand the purpose or reason, of fasting. Scripture has been taken out of context again, when it comes to this subject. In this session, hopefully we can clarify why/when we should fast, and who does it affect. What was the reason for fasting in the first place?
Fasting as a practice among all nations, is for the event of: mourning, sorrow, and affliction. There is no Biblical example of fasting, before the time of Moses. It is presumed it was practiced, as there was much mourning in the Old Testament. It is interesting that Moses never called a specific fast, but once, only during the time of the Day of Atonement. That was a twenty-four hour period, from sundown to sundown. In the Epistles, Paul’s writings to the Church, there is not one time the Church is told to fast. That does not mean we shouldn’t, but no guidelines are given, nor are we encouraged to fast.
Fasting is to be done as the occasion arises. It does not change God, it changes us! Some get the misconception that fasting will prompt God to move, on their behalf. God never changes, He is the same before, during, and after you fast. Instead, it makes us sensitive to the Spirit, when we put the flesh under. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8 NKJV)
It is good to fast when things are pressing in upon you and you need to wait on God prayerfully. Or, the Lord may speak to you and lead you to fast. If the Lord lays a fast on your heart, do it! The Bible states three times when we should fast:
1. To minister to the Lord.
2. To lay hands on ministers to send them forth.
3. To draw close to God in times of danger.
Anytime you attempt a fast, always consider Medical or physical limitations. What would you accomplish, if you fasted because everyone else was, but put your own health at risk? Many suffer from Low blood sugar, or take medications that require food. If you have any apprehension to fast, for these reasons, please consult your doctor first.
God knows your heart, and there are many ways you can partially fast. Total fasts or ones for long periods, can be dangerous. You can only go without water for three days, and food for three weeks, depending on the individual. We will cover the different types of fasts, in another session. We want to be clear up front, we are not against fasting as a practice, but will attempt to give you a clear understanding, if your choice is to do it.
We will continue this subject in the next session. CHRIS
Covenant Chronicles with Chris Lovett 