SCRIPTURE: Luke 5:33-39
To fast is to deny yourself of something (usually food or drink) for religious purposes.
There is nothing wrong with fasting, but it is not a religious duty.
‘Why don’t you fast?’ – expecting religious observance is ‘old religion’, an immature way of relating to God.
When the reality of God is experienced (ie the groom arrives), people experience the reality behind religion.
Because of Jesus, we move beyond the inferior cloak of religion to the wonderful garment of relationship.
We do what we do (fast or not fast, tithe or not tithe) because of love, not because of Law.
Yes, we can still do religious things, but out of love, not duty.
This new way of relating to God and others is so much better than enforcing religion on people.
Sadly, too many Christians still judge others by religion: they don’t go to church, they don’t tithe, they’re not baptized the right way, they don’t dress up for church, they shop on Sundays…
“So don’t let anyone judge you because of what you eat or drink. Don’t let anyone judge you about holy days. I’m talking about special feasts and New Moons and Sabbath days (religious practices and observances). They are only a shadow of the things that were going to come. But what is real is found in Christ.” (Colossians 2:16-17)
Love for God, and not religious duty, is the primary motivation for Jesus-followers, why we do what we do!
Stop enforcing religion, start encouraging relationship – it’s the best wine of all!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, strengthen my love for You. May it ignite my heart for all I do – whether fasting or feasting or tithing or whatever. May my relationship with You be the heart of all I say and do.
This is a tough one. I am insecure in earthly relationships and the same with God I guess. I KNOW in my head that there is nothing I can do to change His love, but a small part of me feels like I might be condemned if I have a drink or eat pork. I’ve never made that connection before about the insecurity. Knowing is half the battle right? Lord, I pray that our relationship will continue to grow and that I will become secure in You and be able to share that with others!
Observations/Application
Fasting and praying for . . . the kingdom. But the kingdom is here. Celebrate!
Christ was with the people and now is the time to live with Him and enjoy His presence. After He leaves this world then it is time for prayer and fasting.
The new has come. Relish it. Enjoy it No more waiting for the kingdom for it has arrived.
Out with the old and in with the new. Prayer and fasting may only deepen the relationship of the new. Focus on His presence today. Walk with the risen Saviour. Live for Him and may my actions show just that.
Prayer
Help me daily in all I do and say Lord to live for You. May they see that the joy of the Lord is my strength.
The joy of the Lord is my strength,
the joy of the Lord is my strength,
The joy of the Lord is my strength,
the joy of the Lord is my strength.
He heals the broken hearted and they cry no more,
He heals the broken hearted and they cry no more.
He heals the broken hearted and they cry no more,
the joy of the Lord is my strength.
He gives me living water and I thirst no more,
He gives me living water and I thirst no more.
He gives me living water and I thirst no more,
the joy of the Lord is my strength.