March 26 Devotion

FASTING

As far as I know fasting has not been one of the disciplines stressed in the United Methodist Church, although John Wesley expected Methodists to fast two meals a week, according to Von W. Unruh in this months preface of "Adult Bible Studies." Fasting is mentioned seven times in the Old Testament and five times in the New. Conversion on the other hand is mentioned one time in the Old and eight times in some lengthy passages in the New Testament.

We do need to be converted first, but is fasting something we should do as a way to increase our spirituality? I must confess that in my long life I have only decided to fast once and that was for physical reasons -- not spiritual. Some times we are asked to fast from midnight until we take a blood test, but that doesn't count.

The early church prayed and fasted (as recorded in Acts 3:2-3) when they were setting apart Barnabus and Saul (Paul) for the work which the Holy Spirit had called them.

The Pharisees and the teachers questioned Jesus as to why John's disciples often fasted and prayed, but his disciples went on eating and drinking. Jesus answered them "the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, in those days they will fast." (Luke 5:35)

Although one of the disciplines that Jesus taught his disciples was fasting, He didn't say: if you fast, but "when you fast." (Matthew 6:16-18). This is the section just after the one where he taught them how they should pray. Our fasting should reflect a corresponding inward belief or attitude" (Joel 1:14 note in the New International Study Bible.)

Synoptic Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark and Luke thought it was important. Maybe we should follow their example. Many of us can no longer fast even for a day because of our many medications, but we could give up "sweets," not only would it help our spirituality, but also our bodies.