As we prepare for our fast as a people of faith, as one church, with two locations, and three congregations, let’s consider a few questions about the time ahead.
Is fasting necessary now as New Covenant believers?
In our first blog, we noted the example of Jesus, who showed us a profound example of fasting. The new covenant speaks often about fasting, but it carries an emphasis not on the outward motions, which often lead to legalism, but on the inner spirit and heart that we have toward God, as well as the depth of our times in His Word and His presence.
While it should never become a legalistic requirement, it is an important spiritual discipline, and an invitation to wade into the deeper waters with Jesus, in a spiritual sense. As we lean more on Him, He brings sustenance, strength and resources for us to grow stronger, to see the world increasingly as He does, and to live more for Him and others, and less for ourselves. Jesus’ words in Matthew 17 describes it well:
17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 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.
The emphasis is the secret place of communion with God.
What do I do when feel tempted to break my fast before the allotted time?
During a fast, we can easily be tempted to break the fast before the end, and even in what may seem a small way. One way to combat this, is to bring the issue itself to Jesus, and dive deeper into His Word and presence.
Acts 2:28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
Our certain future, as believers, is to live with the permanent presence of Jesus one day. As we spend more and more time with Him, he reveals more of Himself to us, by his Spirit. With our focus on Him, we can avoid giving up on the fast.
How can I fast and not let it become a legalistic exercise?
To avoid legalism, it is important to live in relationship, and not under rules, when we live out our faith. In Matthew chapter 23, Jesus speaks directly to this issue, when he addressed the legalistic religious leaders of the day, saying:
Matt 23:27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
You see, Jesus knew their hearts, and could see that what people saw on the outside was just clean looking religion, but inside they were anything but.
As we fast with humility before our almighty God and incredibly loving Father, let our posture before Him be one of adoration, love and obedience. The Bible illustrates this in James 4:8:
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
What are some of the things I should “feed” on during this time of fasting?
Feeding on God’s Word is the best resource for allowing the Holy Spirit to feed us and to reveal more of the character, the nature and the ways of God to us.
In John 16, we read about the purpose of the Spirit’s presence in our lives, apart from the work of salvation and spiritual regeneration that he does in us:
John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
One of the clear purposes of the Spirit is to reveal more of the heart of Jesus to us. He will make alive the words of Jesus to us as we read them, and study His Word daily.
How do I make sense of Isaiah.58’s call to true fasting?
In this chapter of Isaiah, we see the importance of a genuine heart before God when fasting, as opposed to an outward attempt to make it look like we are being honest and open before Him, but inwardly not so much.
In the first five verses, God speaks about outward form and function which is not genuine, and results in fasting which consists of an outward show, with weak and ineffectual prayers.
But from verse six, God lays out the future glory of His people, and ultimately of His church. He speaks of the spiritually oppressed being freed, of the community of faith sharing with those in need, of our “light breaking forth before the dawn”, of God answering the prayers of His people, His church, of the church pouring itself out for the sake of others, and his words culminate in verse twelve:
Isaiah 58:12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to dwell in.
These words describe the future Jerusalem which will be built in Jesus’ millennial Kingdom, the city where we will one day live with Him, the walls of which Nehemiah began rebuilding in ancient times.
Our future is an incredible one, as we stay faithful to our great King. This time of fasting is an opportunity to deepen and strengthen our faith walk with Jesus, and work to see His Kingdom come on earth, as it is in Heaven.
Blog written by Malcolm Herbert. Malcolm is married to Michelle, has two kids and is a man who loves the Word of God with a deep passion. He is a key voice in our church community and despite supporting Man United, he is a man who can be trusted.