As I read through the Gospels a month ago, Jesus’ words in Mark 2:20 stuck in my mind. The religious leaders are questioning Jesus about why his disciples don’t fast like theirs and John the Baptist’s do. Jesus declares that his followers are right to feast and not fast, because he (the bridegroom) is present with them. Then he makes the statement, “But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.”
Jesus makes the assumption that when he’s not physically present on the earth his followers will make a practice of fasting. To my knowledge and experience, fasting is most certainly not a regular part of my faith or the faith of those Christ-followers around me. If Jesus really meant what he said, that’s a problem. We can’t pursue our cravings and Jesus at the same time.
A culture of craving
We live in a culture where it’s expected that every craving be satisfied as quickly as possible. We want a faith that fits into our lives and doesn’t chafe against our creature comforts. Jesus won’t allow that, and fasting is one thing that quickly and effectively counteracts that culture of craving.
Jesus makes the even bolder statement in the Gospel of Mark, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34) Self denial is essential to the life of faith. Fasting – intentionally saying no to something (generally food) in order to direct your whole self towards a greater goal – is an incredibly powerful and practical means of self-denial.
Use your hunger
In communion we eat and remember what Jesus did. In fasting we remain hungry and remember – remember that this world is temporary and painful, that there is better to come, that we are created for something beyond what earthly things (like a delicious steak dinner) can satisfy.
If we are too quick to satisfy our physical cravings we will be too full with the things of this world to be filled with Jesus. The bridegroom has ascended. He has gone and will return, and in the mean time we are to fast.
There’s a beauty to fasting. Yes, half way through the day you’re going to feel weaker and more tired than normal. Yes, you’ll probably have a shorter temper and maybe a headache. But the times I have done it I’ve discovered an incredible power and freedom in prayer that absolutely feeds the soul beyond my normal practices. I’ve found I can use my hunger as a prayer and let my desire for a delicious cheeseburger be redirected toward a desire for His Kingdom come and His will be done.
My Plan
So here’s my plan. I want to get better at saying no to the cravings that my mind and body so quickly go to. I want to live into Jesus’ expectations of his followers and to discover the beauty of fasting regularly. To that end, I’ve set aside each Monday for the first three months of this year to fast and pray. I’m writing that here to help hold myself accountable. It’s going to be a challenge, but it’s going to be good. I’ll report back with what I learn through the process, and if you feel like fasting along with me I’d love to hear what your experience is as well. You won’t regret it. Let’s practice fasting, and learn that the hunger of our body can be a means of feeding the spirit.
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