Monday, October 12, 2015

Why should we fast?




Yeshua spent 40 days of fasting in the desert. Like their Messiah,true followers of Yeshua are supposed to spend some time fasting.
While scientic studies are strongly in favor of regular fasting because of its health benefits, our motivations should surpass physical health. Our motivation to fast should be our appetite for God and the desire of our heart to come closer to Him.Our prayer should be « nourish me, oh Bread of Life, I am so hungry to experience your presence in me ».

We can also fast because we are asking Hashem for forgiveness or because we have some specific requests. While fasting, we do humble ourselves before His Face.

There is MUCH power in fasting. Anybody who experienced fasting knows what I am talking about.
When we abstain ourselves from earthly food, our whole mind is focused on the Living God. Our true spiritual nature is revealed. Prayer requests can be accelerated through fast-ing.
It also makes demons flee. Yeshua reminds us that some exorcisms only work through fasting and prayer.

However, sometimes our Lord is not happy with our fasting. Why ?
We are reading in Isaiah 58 :

« Isn't this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? » Isaiah 58:6

Fasting is one thing ; a fasting that our Lord agrees must come from your center, your heart. It MUST be combined with a total change of heart. One must fast, and do good around you, free people, give money to the poor, etc...

Another big sin while fasting is to keep attracting people's attention and to boast about it publicly.
One important point to remember : it is always between our Father and us. The same rule applies for prayer.

Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and yourFather who sees what is done in secret will reward you. » Matthew 6:16-18

It is very important that your heart is totally committed to our Father. You are not here to impress other people, but to show love to the Creator.
Loving your Creator is not an option, it is a mitsva ( a commandment).
Humble yourself, be hungry for Him and cherish the time you are granted alone in His sole presence.

Copyright© 2015



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