Pastor Kraig's Message:
February 27 & 28, 2010
“Journey to the Cross – Fasting”
Luke 4:1 – 13
For most of us this word, fasting, has very little meaning at all.
We can shorten the word to fast and then we usually think of speed.
Some of us are familiar with the requirement to fast before we have
some medical tests. But to use the words fast or fasting in the
context of our Christian faith journey is unfamiliar or even
unknown.
The bewildering thing about this lack of familiarity among
Christians is the many times that fasting is mentioned within the
biblical narrative. This passage from Luke is well known within the
Christian community. We usually give it a sub-title indicating that
it deals with the temptations of Jesus. Temptations are certainly
central to the experience of Jesus recorded here. At the same time,
the Spirit of God led him into the wilderness for a time of prayer,
reflection and decision before his ministry was to begin. Almost in
passing the reference is made, “He ate nothing at all during those
days.” Here we gain some insight into the experience and purpose of
fasting. Initially, to fast is to refrain from eating food in order
to spend time centering upon God and not ourselves. The intentional
decision is made to stop doing one type of activity so that
something significantly more important may be done in its place. We
determine to let go of something so that something else may be
picked up – we let go of food so that we may pick up prayer and
meditation.
The example of Jesus’ fasting experience indicates that prior to the
beginning of ministry and activities that are to be offered in the
name of God it would be beneficial to take the time of seek God’s
wisdom and strength. Before Jesus could start his ministry, the
priorities and commitments had to clarified and reaffirmed.
Notice the flow of what came to the surface as Jesus fasted, prayed
and reflected. There was need for constant discernment about what
was really essential for life in our relationship with God. If all
we want to do is exist, then bread is certainly primary. Many
populations in our world are seeking only to exist, to survive.
Survival begins with the presence of bread. However, Jesus said that
even in the midst of dire circumstances, life is based upon more
than physical bread. The foundation begins with God and nothing
else. Wow, what a challenge that presents for our current experience
in the United States. The foundation for life is in God and not in
the “bread” which we are told we must have. Perhaps it would be
beneficial for us to lay aside some of the bread, so that we can
discern, be open to God’s guidance.
There was the need for continued focus upon the worship of God
only. Humans will lift someone or something to the highest level of
importance in their lives. We all do it, sometimes without thinking.
Perhaps we have at times placed ourselves at the center of
everything. It could be the needs and desires of our family. At
other times, the highest importance is placed upon experiences we
want to have, possessions we want to gain or power over others we
want to exercise. Something is first. Jesus said that amongst all of
these competing possibilities, worship of God only should be the
focus. Worship of God when we are with others and when we are alone.
Worship of God, thanking, praising, and being available for God to
use, is to happen regardless of where we are – home, school or work.
Beginning the day with worship, living the day with worship and
ending the day with worship – this is to be the path we walk.
Perhaps it would be beneficial for us to focus each day upon our
worship of God alone.
There was the need for renewed confidence in God’s presence and
purpose in life. What would lie ahead for Jesus would be revealed as
the days of his journey toward Jerusalem continued. There would be
times of joy and frustration, times of comfort and heartache.
Through all of these experiences Jesus would affirm again and again
his trust in God. There would be other moments when he would
withdraw from the disciples and the crowds in order to gain renewed
insight and strength. Perhaps it would be beneficial for us to
reaffirm our confidence, our trust in God during specific times in
our lives.
Out of Jesus’ experience and example of fasting came the gifts of
discernment, worship and confidence. Example is an importance word
here. While there are no specific commandments requiring fasting,
there is the example that Jesus shared in this experience. His
example might be worth considering in this spiritual discipline.
In addition to fasting food – refraining from eating a meal or two
in order to center upon God – there are some other activities that
could be included. How about not googling, twittering or texting for
an hour or so once a week? How about not sitting in front of the
television or computer for an hour or so once a week? How about not
doing something for ourselves so that you might do something for
others – volunteering is another word for it, fasting from attention
upon ourselves?
As this next week is experienced let’s consider adding a fast
from food or some activity that we usually do and enjoy for an hour
or so. During that time we can read several of the Scriptures that
are being suggested in the Communicator, we can offer prayer for
those listed on the prayer page and we can listen for God’s guidance
and wisdom to be offered. As we center upon God during those moments
of fasting, we will be encouraged and strengthened in our journey of
faith. |
