Very often the entire concept of Christian fasting is misunderstood. Some people go according to the letter of the law and not according to the spirit of the law. The scriptures are turned and twisted to serve people’s purposes. So let’s be sure that we are clear on what Christian fasting is about
Christian Fasting is not a Physical or Psychological Discipline: The Bible does not encourage “fasting” for the reason of beautifying one’s body or bringing about psychological control. When the Bible uses the term “fasting” it has spiritual goals in mind – something very different from what Weight Watchers or Low Carb diets have to say.
God has a higher purpose in mind for the person who is fasting. God never encourages fasting for solely discipline or self-denial reasons. The discipline of conquering the desire to eat transfers over to other areas. This is a helpful by-product of fasting, but should not be an end in itself.
Christian Fasting is not a Manipulative Tool: Sometimes people view fasting as an attempt to twist god’s arm or to win his approval. But god has his own plans, he doesn’t respond to pressure. Fasting was used as a manipulative way in Jeremiah’s days too. God said, “Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burn offerings and grain offering, I will not accept them. I will destroy them with the sword, famine, and plague” (Jeremiah 14:12). Fasting didn’t move god one iota. Fasting should not be considered as a hunger strike so as to force god to fulfill our desires. God is good (Psalm 119:8) and is eager to answer our prayers. He is generous (James 1:5) and is eager to give us ‘good things’ (Matthew 7:11). Fasting should not be used as a technique to push god into a corner.
Christian Fasting is not a Hypocritical Religious Exercise: By Jesus’ time, fasting had become a very overtly important part of the Jewish life. Based on Luke 18:12a, we know the Pharisees fasted twice a week. The Talmud tells us that this was on the 2nd and 5th day (Monday and Thursday). This was because Moses went up on Mt. Sinai to get the Law on the 5th day and returned on the 2nd. At least that’s what they said.
But on looking closely at Jewish History one could find out another possible reason for the Pharisees fasting on Monday and Thursday – Market day in the city of Jerusalem was on the 2nd and 5th day! Everyone from the countryside would come to town on those two days. So, keeping this in mind the Pharisees would chose to hold their fasts on those two days. They would walk through the streets with their hair disheveled; dressed in old clothes, they would wontedly cover themselves with dirt; in order to look pale they would cover their faces with white chalk; and they would dump ashes over their head so as to show how humble they were. Fasting had become a “look-at-how-spiritual-I-am” exercise. It was a hypocritical act.
Biblical fasting is not hypocrisy. It is not a manipulative tool. It is not a physical discipline. It is a beautiful way of showing god that you need him. His role in your life is of primary importance, everything else is secondary.
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