February 18 - Fasting

Matthew 6:16-18 

When, not if, you fast, wash your face and don’t act like you are giving up something. As it says in The Message, “Don’t make a production out of it.”  God will reward your efforts.

Fasting is a way of honoring God. No food on the table---but fill that time with spiritual food instead. The Jewish tradition of fasting is done several times a year, mainly for Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, commemorating the day that Moses came down from Mt. Sinai with the second set of the Ten Commandments after God forgave Israel for worshipping the golden calf. Moses asked to be stricken from the “Book you have written,” assumed to be the Book of Life (Exodus 32:32-33). Did you know that Moses was willing to take the sins of his brother Israelites on himself? To be their sacrifice. Thus Moses was asking God to redeem the Israelites with his own sacrifice---like Jesus. See Hebrews 9:15. In Biblical times Yom Kippur was the only day the high priest entered the Holy of Holies. The sacrificial system ended when the Temple was destroyed in 70 AD. Now the observant Jews fast for 25 hours to atone for their sins, going to synagogue services and abstaining from any work and pleasures.

Fasting doesn’t have to go on for days on end. Give God your time and attention---whether it is for one meal or one day. A fast can be an opportunity for you to dedicate yourself to seeking God—showing Him that you love Him with your whole heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37). Give up a meal---or a snack and feast spiritually at His table instead of munching down at your own. Give God the glory.

Dear God,You are worthy of glory and honor and praise.  I praise You!