Devotional: September 30 – October 7, by Robert Whitlow, Elder
“In those days they will fast.”
Luke 5:35
Mark Twain reportedly said, “It’s not what I don’t understand in the Bible that troubles me; it’s what I do.” Fasting is like that. Going without food is something a small child can understand. But why it’s important in the Kingdom of God is profound and mysterious. In this devotional, I’d like to offer several observations about the “why” of fasting. For further reading, you might check out Derek Prince’s book, Changing History through Prayer and Fasting. The title alone of the book is enough to convict me.
First, as the scripture quoted above makes clear, Jesus stated that after his physical departure from earth his followers would fast. In Matt. 6:16 Jesus said, “When you fast . . . .” In this area, Jesus led by example. He fasted 40 days and nights before beginning his ministry. (Matt. 4:2). Thus, the first why of fasting is simple. We do it because Jesus practiced it and commanded it.
Second, there is often a link in scripture between fasting and achieving a God-honoring purpose. Examples include: deliverance and healing (Mk. 9:29), repentance (Joel 2:12-13), Godly favor (Ester 4:16), and setting people apart for ministry (Acts 14:23). If God considers fasting part of the process through which he works in world, who are we to disagree? Better to do it than argue about it.
Third, fasting does something in us besides making our stomachs growl in protest. It takes aim at one of our greatest enemies, what the KJV calls “the flesh” and the NIV labels “the sinful nature.” Fasting declares to our flesh, “You are not my Lord. I belong to Jesus Christ.” During fasting our carnal mind clears; our spiritual ears perk up. By denying ourselves, the truth that “He must increase and I must decrease” comes a bit closer to reality. (Jn. 3:30). Isn’t a greater level of freedom from the sinful nature is a benefit worth missing a plate of spaghetti?
May the Lord, who works on many levels at once, bless you as you walk with him.
