SOTM 26—Fast

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.Moreover, when you fast, do not put on a sad face like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that they may appear to men to fast. Truly I say to you, they have their reward.But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to fast, but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly (Matthew 6:16-18)IntroductionCorporate fast days in Judaism—principally the Day of Atonement (“the Fast”), although the prophets refer to other fast days as well.Jesus did not say, “if you fast,” but “when you fast.” He assumed that his followers would fast on a regular basis. In addition to personal fasting, the early Christians collectively fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays. Didache 8.1 (ANF 1.379); Clement of Alexandria (ANF 2.544); Tertullian (ANF 4.109); Tertullian (ANF 4.112); Victorinus (ANF 7.341); and Peter of Alexandria (ANF 6.278). Wednesdays because it was on that day that Judas made his pact with the priests to betray Jesus (Victorinus, ANF 7.341; Peter of Alexandria, ANF 6.278; and Apostolic Constitutions, ANF 7.445). Fridays because Jesus died on that day (Tertullian, ANF 4.111). There were also occasional fasts for the whole church, as wise leadership decided (Tertullian, ANF 4.111.The oil, or lotion, was part of daily hygiene. When we don't take care of ourselves, we draw others' sympathy or interest, thus undermining the point of the fast.Different kinds of fastingSome early Christians abstained totally from all food and drink.Others took bread and water only.In our day, we might fast from social media, or meat, or sweets.But the early Christians turned their days of fasting into good news for the poor:Hermas: “On the day on which you fast, you should taste nothing but bread and water. Then, having calculated the cost of the food that you would have otherwise eaten that day, you should give that sum to a widow, an orphan, or some other person in need.” The Shepherd 3.5.1.Aristides: “If there is among them any who are poor and needy, and if they have no spare food, they fast two or three days in order to supply food to the needy.” Apology (ANF 9.277).True Fasting“Is this the kind of fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a bulrush and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord? Or is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loosen the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to give your bread to the hungry, and that you bring into your house the poor who are cast out? And when you see the naked, that you cover him?” (Isa 58:5-7).Although the early Christians practiced physical fasting, they frequently spoke of this other type of fasting.Hermas: “Offer to God a fasting of the following kind: Do no evil in your life and serve the Lord with a pure heart. Keep His commandments, walk in His teachings, and let no evil desire arise in your heart. And believe in God. Do these things, fear Him, and abstain from every evil thing. If you do so, you will live to God. And if you do these things, you will keep a great fast, and one acceptable before God.” Hermas, The Shepherd bk. 3, parable 5, ch. 1. See also Clement of Alexandria, Pedagogue (ANF 2.292-293).Origen: “When you fast, you must approach Christ, your High Priest. He certainly must not be sought on earth but in heaven. Through this One, you should make an offering to God. Do you still want me to show you what kind of fast it is appropriate for you to practice? Fast from every sin, take no food of malice, take no feasts of passion, do not burn with any wine of luxury. Fast from evil deeds, abstain from evil words, hold yourself from the evil thoughts. Do not touch the ‘secret loaves’ of perverse doctrine. Do not desire the deceptive foods of philosophy, which seduce you from truth. Such a fast pleases God. However, I do not say this so that we might relax the practice of Christian abstinence. For we have forty days dedicated to fasting. We also have the fourth and the sixth day of the week on which we regularly fast. And there is certainly freedom for the Christian to fast at any time.” Homilies on Leviticus 10.2.2-6.ConclusionDon’t make excuses: I don’t want to stick out at work. You could invite them to join you. Maybe bring a “special meal” (colored water?). I like food too much. Then you like food too much (2 Peter 2:19, 1 Corinthians 6:13). I have a medical condition. Bless you – make wise decisions! We’re all different physiologically. Don’t be a softie, but then don’t go around judging everyone either. Be creative. Jesus didn’t tell me I have to do it, so I won’t. There are a lot of things he didn’t tell us to do, but we do them anyway. We are all responsible for weighing and applying biblical principles.Jesus assumed his followers would pray, fast, and give to the poor. He didn’t tell us exactly how; he was more concerned with the heart behind the action. Be you are getting your convictions from the Bible—not from your friends, your feelings, or even church culture.Watch out for legalism. You aren’t necessarily holier just because you have a system. And yet without some system, some resolution, what will really change?For further exploration: Prayer & Fasting (40 mins)Next devotional: Treasure