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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