An Easter Fast

It has been my habit through the years to engage in an Easter fast. My fast typically begins after the Good Friday worship service and ends after the sunrise service on Easter morning. It’s a three day fast but in reality, you only skip your three meals on Saturday.

Given America’s, and the world’s present pandemic situation, fasting and prayer seems like a proper response for the church of Jesus Christ.  Please consider joining me and others beginning on Good Friday!

In the days ahead, I want to share some devotional thoughts with you from the Word of God concerning this much neglected discipline of the followers of Jesus Christ.

Several years ago I did a series of devotionals on fasting that were triggered by this incident found in 1Sa 20:34,  “So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and ate no food the second day of the month, for he was grieved for David, because his father had treated him shamefully. 

Think of David here as a type of Christ, and Jonathon’s father Saul, as a type of the devil. Think of yourself as Jonathon, who’s greatest friend was David! Then be angry! Be sorrowful! Because your Best Friend (Jesus) was being shamefully treated on Good Friday!  

Be angry and sorrowful over your sins! Because it was your sins, and mine, that put Him up on the cross! Push yourself away from the table and fast! Give up food on the second day like Jonathon did, only let our second day be that day between Good Friday and Easter!

Fasting is one of the greatest spiritual tools that the Lord has provided for His church, and in fact is one of the distinguishing marks of a follower of Christ. Jesus said to His followers in Mt 6:16, “WHEN you fast,” Such a statement coupled with His remark that after He departed from this earth His disciples WILL fast, ((Mt 9:15) indicates to me that this discipline is expected of you and I.

In the days ahead, as we spend some time teaching on this powerful Christian discipline, I pray it will have an impact on you and more importantly in God's kingdom.

Would you prayerfully consider joining me and others in this Easter fast.