18 Mar Lent and Biblical Fasting
LENT:
Lent was instituted in the 4th century. It was a priod of 46 days of
fasting and self-denial. Lent commenced on Ash Wednesday and ended
on Easter Sunday.The real purpose of Lent was, that self-denial and
fasting would lead to more time for prayer and meditation, making way
for repentance and victory over sin. Observing Lent is a matter of
individual choice. We cannot condemn those who do not choose to
observe Lent. And we cannot take pride by observing Lent. We must
realize that we cannot earn God’s favour and blessings by self-denial,
fasting, giving up meat, giving up flowers and other pleasures.
Our focus should be on what we achieve by this self denial- true
repentance from sin and consecrating anew to God.
The real aim of Lent is to prepare ourselves for
the celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ.
The better the preparation, the better the celebration.
BIBLICAL FASTING:
What does the Bible say of fasting? In the Old Testament people fasted
and repented in sackcloth and ashes. They humbled themselves by this
act, and this was effective. The purpose of fasting was fulfilled, God
intervened in each situation and worked marvelously on the behalf of
His people (Esther 4:1, Daniel 9:3). Isaiah 58:3-7 also describes clearly
about God-pleasing fasting.
What was Jesus’s view on fasting? Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days
before beginning His ministry , and it was really effective in that He was
able to overcome the temptation in the wilderness (Matt.4:1,2). Jesus
spoke about fasting to His disciples. He warned them about
hypocritical fasting, having a sad and disfigured face – to make a show
of their fasting. But Jesus said, ’When you fast, anoint your head with
oil, wash your face‘. Present to the world a cheerful and joyful face, so
you do not appear to be fasting, and your Father who sees in secret will
reward you openly (Matt.6:16-18).
What is the real purpose of our fasting? Is it to ask God for His favour, and
His blessings on what we desperately want? Or is it to humble ourselves,
set aside time to repent for our sins and overcome them?
We are approaching the season of Lent. Let us make a commitment to
make it a rediscovery of our love and relationship with Jesus, to know
Him more intimately. Let us set time aside to sit at the feet of Jesus on
a regular basis. We are complaining always of being too busy and not
having enough time. We have to set our priorities right, and schedule a
regular Quiet Time. Jesus is ever present with us. He is longing for His
children to live and walk in His presence and experience a life of joy and
peace even in our crowded busy life.
Let us not be like the hypocritical Pharisees, who created their own form
of godliness, following their own man made rules, but completely lost
sight of God. Let not our eagerness to keep the man- made Lenten
season of fasting and self control, take our focus off Christ, making us
slaves of keeping these rules. May the Spirit of Lent be with us the
whole year. Living in the Presence of Christ, Praising Him and reading
His Word.
Thanks: Tharisanasudar March 2018
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