I confess. Every Wednesday I fast until weigh-in time at WW (formerly Weight Watchers). Every week, although I am below the weight I set as my goal, I fluctuate a couple of pounds one way or another. So I fast the morning before I weigh in so I will be as low as possible. It is a silly thing to do.
John the Baptist's followers learned to repent of their sin and prepare for Christ's coming. It was a powerful message that brought them to their knees in prayer and in fasting. My Life Application Study Bible defines fasting as: "an outward sign of humility and regret for sin, and an inner discipline that clears the mind and keeps the spirit alert. Fasting empties the body of food, repentance empties the life of sin."
Jesus himself fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert when He was tempted by the devil. He encouraged fasting for the right purpose. The Pharisees routinely fasted twice a week to show others how holy they were. Fasting to impress others is not what fasting is for.
"Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, "How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?" Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast."" (Mark 2:18-20 NIV).
Dear God and Father of all things, we come to you this day to ask for Your guidance in our life. Show us the way to follow You and to worship and praise You. Teach us when we should choose to fast for Your purpose. During this season of Lent we prepare our hearts for the sorrow and the joy that Easter brings. We thank You for sending Your Son to save us from our sins. We love You and thank You for our many blessings. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.
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