“Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Matthew 9:14–15, ESV)
What Are We Doing?
It’s an interesting question to ask in a time like this. When asked, “What are we doing?,” many people would answer, “Not a whole lot! We’re just trapped in our homes.” Yet, as I spoke to some pastor friends of mine, one of them suggested that we view this time as a season of fasting. We are fasting from fellowship with one another.
They Will Fast
Jesus is explicit in saying that when he is taken from the earth, his people WILL fast. He didn’t say we might fast. He didn’t say we will fast if we want to. He said we WILL fast. There will be times when we willingly separate ourselves from certain things. Fasting is not only about food.
Hating Fasting
Yet, in our current cultural climate, we HATE fasting. We live in such an affluent culture that we are used to getting whatever we want when we want it. We don’t like having to do without. That’s why all the toilet paper is gone. That’s why the shelves are all bare. People are deathly afraid they may have to go without for a while. Affluent cultures don’t fast, they over-indulge.
Lenten Fasting
It’s providential that the church is entering a season of fasting during the season of Lent. Throughout church history, Lent has been considered a season of fasting. Many Christians “give something up” for Lent each year. I know of many people who give up caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, etc. during the Lenten season. Well, this year the decision has been made for us. We are all giving up fellowship (at least for a bit).
The Point of Fasting
Richard Foster is popularly known as the “spiritual disciples” man. In his section on fasting he writes, “Fasting must forever center on God…If our fasting is not unto God, we have failed” (p. 55). Then he also says something powerful: “More than any other Discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us…We cover up what is inside us with food and other good things, but in fasting these things surface” (p. 55). Finally, he says, “Fasting reminds us that we are sustained ‘by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’ (Matt. 4:4)…God sustains us” (p. 55).
What Surfaces?
In the midst of our fast from fellowship, it’s important for us all to pay attention to one question in particular: What is coming to the surface? It is anxiety, fear, anger, pride, selfishness, doubt, greed, gluttony, etc. It’s important for us to recognize what this fast is stirring up in our hearts. This fast will uncover things we have tried to cover up—things we have buried deep within us. Pay attention to what is bubbling up, then confess them to God. We can only find healing when we recognize the diseases within us.
Wash Your Hands
Alright, I know that people are sick and tired of hearing this statement, but I’m referring to it in a different context. When talking about fasting, Jesus said, “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16–18, ESV).
During a time of fasting, it’s important that we are not trying to draw attention to ourselves. We should not walk around gloomy, wanting people to see how miserable we are. We should not repeatedly post on Facebook how difficult things are for us. We are called to clean ourselves up, put on some good clothes, and go about our day—trusting God to sustain us in the midst of this difficulty. We are called to look beyond our own difficulties to the difficulties of others—even in the midst of our own difficulties. We can do this because we know that God WILL sustain us, and we trust Him. So, wash your hands and go about your day trusting God.