Application: Fasting

"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting.  I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."  Matthew 6 : 16 - 18

The past couple of weeks we've been talking about practical applications that we hear about all the time in church; being generous, praying.  But something that is rarely touched on, at least in my experiences, is fasting.  There is no direct commandment in the bible saying that we need to fast, but as obvious with the first word of the passage, Jesus expects us to.  But why?  What is the purpose of fasting?

To help see some applications of fasting, Ryan looked back and talked about people in the Old Testament that used fasting for various reasons. David fasted for intercession, which basically means on the behalf of someone else, and also to humble himself.  Intercession was also Daniel's reason for fasting. Nehemiah used fasting to confess and Paul and Barnabas fasted before prayer.  Esther and Jesus both fasted as preparation.  Biblically, even though there is no commandment, fasting is proven beneficial and there are many purposes for it.  

Mark 4 is a series of parables Jesus tells to the gathered crowds and His disciples.  The first is the parable of the Sower, and as usual with parables, it is not understood.  So the disciples and some others ask and Jesus gives them understanding.   They humbled themselves and asked so they could better understand Jesus and be closer to Him.  This is the secret of the Kingdom; being willing to humble yourself and consult with God.  The next parable illustrates how this understanding is being hidden right now, but it is meant to be seen, like a lamp on its stand. God wants to give us this understanding, we just need to humble ourselves and ask for it.  

The secret of the Kingdom and the purpose of fasting are one in the same. When you fast, you are showing a desire to focus on God and know Him better.  Fasting is a way to humble yourself and come and ask to know Him more.  So fast, not because it's a rule, but because it will bring you into deeper relationship with God.  

So what do we fast from?  The typical answer is food, but do you realize how much your appetites control you?  You have an appetite for food, addictions, greed, success, knowledge.  The list can go on and on.  Our appetites cloud our view of God.  If you want to know your root sin, then fast and it will show up quickly.  Fasting brings these sins to the fore-front and lets us address them to become closer to God; to understand and know Him more.  

We believe we are in control a lot and we rarely experience moments that remind us how vulnerable we are.  But in these moments we are reminded how much we need God.  So let's live in these moments; moments where we desire to know Him more and be in closer relationship with Him. 

So will you give it a shot?  I would encourage you to fast once during the next couple of weeks.  Start small, like 24 hours, and see how God shows up.  God wants to be in relationship with you, but it takes two to tango.  Show God that you are pursuing and desiring Him as much as He desires you.  How will you take this step?  What are you fasting from?  Come back and share stories for how fasting went for you.