Saturday, November 7, 2009
When Ye Fast
(Mathew 6:16-18)
Fasting has been described as a “lost art” among Christians. Indeed, contemporary believers are not accustomed to any form of self-denial, much less the discomfort inherent in fasting. Giving up food is tough—especially for Baptists!
Jesus, however, does not present fasting as an option. Although He never prescribes its frequency, He assumes its practice, stating “when ye fast” as if it’s a foregone conclusion (16).
Is fasting really necessary? In some cases it is. In Matthew 17:21, Jesus stated that some spiritual battles can only be won by prayer and fasting. It seems that fasting focuses prayer in such a way as to make it more effective.
The question naturally arises, “Should fasting be a planned activity or an automatic response to intense spiritual pressure.” The Biblical answer appears to be “both.” In the Old Testament, there were certain seasons of fasting declared by fiat to address particular concerns (Nehemiah 9). In addition, some Old Testament characters fasted as an immediate response to crisis circumstances (Daniel 9:3). Whether planned in advance or inspired by pressure, fasting was a common practice among Old Testament figures.
Should believers fast today? Absolutely! How frequently and how long is an individual decision. Like giving and prayer, however, fasting should be a private discipline of devotion before the Lord. And, like discrete giving and secret prayer, private fasting will receive an open reward from the Lord (18).
