Mark 2: 18-20 (MSG)
The disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees made a practice of fasting. Some people confronted Jesus: “Why do the followers of John and the Pharisees take on the discipline of fasting, but your followers don’t?” Jesus said, “When you’re celebrating a wedding, you don’t skimp on the cake and wine. You feast. Later you may need to pull in your belt, but not now. As long as the bride and groom are with you, you have a good time. No one throws cold water on a friendly bonfire. This is Kingdom Come!”
Feast versus Fast. Or rather, feast and fast. Here, Jesus displays both the value and balance that comes with the food we eat (and indirectly, with everything we do). There is a time for partying and feasting – in the reading, because Jesus was among them in the flesh; in our case, it could be when we perceive God’s Spirit to be closest, like at belly ship or worship service. There are also times for focused prayer and fasting – in the reading, at a time when Christ was no longer physically with them; in our case, when we’re desiring to pull away from the world and draw intimately closer with Jesus.
Cleary, Jesus relates that both times are necessary and important. But we’re not to get hung up on fasting to the point of it becoming a empty religious rite. As with anything with Jesus, it comes down to a person’s heart and motive. Fasting – whether it be food, television, sports, cigarettes, music, books, internet, sex, cell phones, or any number of other things – is simply a way to pull away from distractions and mediate specifically on God. His glory. His purposes for us. His love. Once incorporated into our spiritual walk, it will radically change us and our perspective about God.
For your consideration:
1. Pray that the Lord will start preparing your heart for meeting with him during your fast.
2. Prayerfully determine what you will be fasting. Anything you consider important, or that has taken the place of God in your life, will do.
3. Prayerfully determine the length of your fast. Fasts in the Bible varied. Remember its not the quantity of days, but the quality of your time with God that counts.
4. Prayerfully ask the Lord to meet with you intimately during the fast. Also, request humility during this period. Pride can, and will, sneak in if we allow it. Because you will be weaker than usual, you must lean on God’s strength all the more.
5. Fast…Don’t make a big show of it. If you tell anyone, let it be a partner who will encourage you and help you stay accountable. Remember this is a special time between you and God.
6. At the end of your fast, thank God for meeting with you on such a powerful level. Write down your experiences so that you may be encouraged by growth or to humbly share with others the value of fasting.
