Defining the word "Fasting"

Matthew 6:16-18

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

For the average churchgoer in America, it would be entertaining to see them describe or define the word “Fast.”  But does it not sound as if Jesus expects us to fast, when He says; “And when you fast”?  So what is fasting is it the removing of food from ones diet or is it more than that?  King David allowing the Spirit of God to use his lips and pen stated; “For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.  When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach.  When I made sackcloth my clothing, I became a byword to them.  I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, and the drunkards make songs about me.”  Not once is food the object of David’s thoughts, it is placing God as the object of your worship, it is taking no thought of yourself, and it will be misunderstood by others.

In the book of Daniel chapter 10, and verse 2-3, “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks.”  Out of Daniel’s fast he saw a vision that none who was with him saw, and it was so amazing that he retained no strength and fell on his face in a deep sleep on the ground.  And behold a hand touched him, and this is what was said to Daniel: “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” (Daniel 10:11a)  What would you do to be called a man who is greatly loved by the Lord, for that is what He said to Daniel, and that is what He has said to each of us who follow Him.

It sure sounds to this writer that a fast should be something you keep between God and yourself,
“And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice