Well, we’ve already proven that you guys know a lot more than I do about this subject. Seeing as that’s the case, I’ll lay out some observations and let you correct me. :-)
- Contrary to what some think, Jesus did not teach against fasting, any more than he taught against public prayer. Note his words: “When you fast…” (Matthew 6:16); “then they will fast” (Matthew 9:15). He spoke out against fasting for show and spoke out against the Pharisees trying to bind their tradition on Jesus’ disciples. But he didn’t teach against fasting itself, especially the fasting that was required under the Law.
- In Acts 13, we see a group of Christians that had apparently agreed to fast at a certain time. Was this congregation wide or merely this small group? We don’t know. But this example destroys the argument that you can’t let anyone else know when you are fasting. Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount need to be taken in context. Just as not every prayer needs to be said in a closet, Christians can talk to one another about fasting.
- In Acts 14, we see Christians fasting at the time of appointing elders. Again, it’s obvious that they had agreed to join together in this time of fasting.
I think that need to bring fasting back into the normal life of the church. That being said, I think we need to proceed with caution; since fasting isn’t a normal part of our culture, the possibility of it becoming a point of pride is increased. Fasting is never done as a point of merit nor as a basis for spiritual superiority. It is closely linked with prayer and should be done in the same reverent attitude that prayer is.
“Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” (Joel 2:12-13)
Don brings up a good point in the comments on the last blog, about the challenge of fasting in a feasting society. I don’t believe, though, that much has changed since ancient times on the eating and socializing front. Eating together has always been the centerpiece of socializing. In the Law of Moses, the most common sacrifice is the fellowship offering — where you gave a portion to the priests and you and your community ate the rest that day.
That’s why I believe solo fasting should be done in harmony with disciplines of solitude and meditation; or at least you plan in advance to miss whatever eating engagements there are on your agenda.
Communal fasting dodges the problem, though — if a small group of brothers and sisters decides to fast together for a time, they can also encourage and socialize in such a way that breaking the fast is not tempted.
Boy, I really like fried chicken….
See. This kind of stuff is what I was talking about. I can’t even think about fasting right now. ;)
I’ve got a can of SlimFast waiting for me in the fridge. I should’ve put up a picture of that. :-)
Interesting thoughts, Nick, on the differences between communal and individual fasting. I’d like to explore that a bit more.
Tim, I believe the point Jesus was making on prayer and fasting.
was, don’t do either to impress men by your “righteousness.”
Amen, Laymond. I think that goes for anything we do to impress other people rather than to please God.
I wonder how many people hear our “I want to please God” language, and are turned off by it, because they *hear* a kind of craven, Igor-like fearfulness — “I hope this pleases my Master” — rather than the excitement and astonishment of a little kid saying, “Daddy Daddy Daddy come look what I made!”
I think that’ll be my blog for today. Thanks, Tim!
I guess for some there is more of a sense of avoiding God’s displeasure than there is seeking God’s pleasure.