Bread of Heaven
Monday, September 30 2019
Matthew 6:16 And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy and sour and dreary like the hypocrites, for they put on a dismal countenance, that their fasting may be apparent to and seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full already.
It’s interesting to note that in passage above Jesus stated when you give, when you pray, and when you fast. Giving, praying and fasting are three characteristics of Kingdom citizens. And notice He didn’t say, “If.” The modern, culturally approved church, often finds these things offensive providing further proof that the soul of man is often at the helm of its “leader-ship.” Spiritual men and women will seek to join the armies of Heaven enrolling in the practice of all three of these disciplines. Perusal of the Halls of Faith will reveal its heroes who would crumple in humility seeking the Lord in prayer, fasting, sackcloth and ashes. Greats such as Joseph who fasted for an interpretation to Pharaoh’s dream from prison. Moses, who not once but twice, ascended the mountain of the Lord fasting 40 days and nights at the feet of the Almighty. Daniel who often prayed and fasted seeking the Lord for the lives of others, interpretation of visions and dreams, and observing the Old Testament fasting calendar. His time in Babylon was marked by fasting as he arrived in Babylonian captivity, when he refused to eat the food of the other slaves. Instead, he chose a fast of obedience, holiness and consecration distinguishing himself as head and shoulders above all the rest. Need we mention Jesus’ fast of 40 days, or His many all night prayer vigils in which He sought the Lord for wisdom, strength, and guidance?
Many fail to notice that prayer is often accompanied by fasting. Fasting was rarely done just for fasting’s sake. It was an outward expression of the humility which accompanied prayer. Throughout Scripture the practice of humbling oneself was simply another way of expressing that this humility would be accompanied by fasting and was synonymous.
Jesus taught that fasting would be accompanied by feeding on another kind of “meat” or “bread.” His “meat” being to do the will of the Father. His “bread” to feed off of every Word that proceeded from the Mouth of the Father was, and still is, an obvious message for those of us who live more for our bellies cravings than the Spirits’ leanings.
Lastly, fasting was synonymous with seeking the Lord. If you were fasting you were seeking to be in the Lord’s Presence, hear His Voice, and discover His answers. True Biblical, fasting wasn’t done as an empty, religious exercise but as a portal into the Presence of God. It was an intentional act of denying your soul and empowering your spirit.
With that in mind have you chosen from the “3 For 10” Fasting Menu? What’s going to be your entree and appetizer? The very first thing a waitress would do is to take your drink order. Have you drunk in the Wine of the Spirit and Word today? I wonder what “Wine” the Holy Spirit Waiter would recommend? I wonder would there be a particular Spiritual year that He would recommend? Enjoy your meal. Oh and don’t forget to tip your Waiter.
