PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 9:14-17
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?” (Matthew 9:15)
To fast is to abstain from food for spiritual purposes.
In the old covenant, there was only one mandated fast, tied to the Day of Atonement.
But there are more examples of times when people chose to fast themselves.
Voluntary fasting expressed a mournful, urgent seeking of God in distressing circumstances.
Why do Jesus and His disciples not practice voluntary fasting?
Because they are not mourning, they are celebrating the arrival of God’s mercy.
In Jewish weddings of the time, the groom’s arrival started the celebration.
Jesus is showing John’s disciples and the Pharisees that He is God’s messiah.
He fulfills the Day of Atonement fast, by making atonement for us!
As Jesus followers we may fast, but we do not need to.
In difficult times, we may voluntarily fast to intensify our prayer.
At the same time, we may also celebrate in times when we sense the joy of Jesus.
Even in hard times, we may celebrate Jesus, because He does change everything.
Has Jesus brought joy to your life, and are other people noticing?
PRAYER
Lord, even though I don’t always feel it, You are bringing love, joy and peace into my life. May this fruit show more and more in my life, and may people notice it and wonder why.
Should I wear a smile when I am deeply sad within – am I being in-genuine? When I fast -am I sincere about it’s intent: to draw me closer to God – to remind me of my ‘special dependence’ on him – and not just trying to earn ‘brownie points’. Like a new patch on old – the old will tear some more. I find when I am sincere, feeling sad or melancholic – others notice – I don’t do this on purpose – I’m being true to how I feel. So often people will ask how are you? But we often say fine – when really its not. Jesus came and rescued us – we celebrate – even when we fast as we try to draw closer to him. Fasting can draw us closer to him – each time a hunger pang reminds me how dependent I am on Him! That is something worth celebrating. “I am not my own but belong…”
Fasting is a practice that can help me be intentional about spending time with Jesus and a way that can deepen my relationship with Him. Lord Jesus, help me to recognize when you are nudging me to fast. Help me to identify what I need to deny in order to put You first. Amen.
Lord Jesus you desire mercy and not sacrifice. Dear God you require obedience and not sacrifice. It is two weeks before the celebration of Jesus birth, I. e. when the Word become flesh and lived among us. And Jesus now you live in me according to your promise not my own doing-but your love and grace. Therefore I celebrate this season and may your fruit o Holy Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control grow in me bountifully today and in the coming years. I Belong to you Jesus my Lord, let me Be Changed, and Be a Bridge, for I Believe in you alone.
Walking with the Saviour. What a glory He sheds upon our way. This was not a time of fasting but feasting. Celebration.
There s a time for both. Our minds should not be rigid, resistant, stuck in the past but open to the the work of Christ through the workings of the Spirit. Knowing and still growing in His Word. New life in Him, yet grounded in His Word. May my journey of joy be founded on loving, knowing and growing while serving in love.
Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior, with Thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.