When we decide to set aside time to fast,
here is what I think would please the heart
of God. Let's talk about this time of spiritual
discipline not as a day of fasting, but a day
of feasting - feasting on Jesus.
There is an orphanage in India where the
staff and the children all fast every Friday.
And you know what they call it? They call it
their day of feasting on Jesus. And do you
know what they do during their day of
feasting? They pray for the American church.
Now, that is humbling.
A CALL TO FAST
That is why the Lord says, "Turn to me now, while there is time! Give me your hearts.
Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
[13]
Don't tear your clothing in your grief;
instead, tear your hearts." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful.
He is not easily angered. He is filled with kindness and is eager not to punish you.
[14]
Who knows? Perhaps even yet he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing
instead of this terrible curse. Perhaps he will give you so much that you will be able to
offer grain and wine to the Lord your God as before!
[15]
Blow the trumpet in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting; call the people together
for a solemn meeting.
[16]
Bring everyone-the elders, the children, and even the babies.
Call the bridegroom from his quarters and the bride from her private room.
[17]
The
priests, who minister in the Lord's presence, will stand between the people and the
altar, weeping. Let them pray, "Spare your people, Lord! They belong to you, so don't let
them become an object of mockery. Don't let their name become a proverb of
unbelieving foreigners who say, 'Where is the God of Israel? He must be helpless!' "
Joel 2:12-17 (NLT)
1.
Fasting starts with the spiritual leaders.
Joel starts off his urgent call to a fast
by saying, "Hear this, you elders." (Joel 1:2)
2. Fasting is often associated with a sense of spiritual desperation. Joel 2:12 says,
"T
urn to me now
, while there is time!" Notice the sense of urgency and
desperation.
11
• Fasting is not so much about food
as it is about focus.
• Fasting is not so much about
saying no to the body as it is
about saying yes to the Spirit.
• Fasting is not about doing with-
out, it is about looking within.
• Fasting is an outward response to
an inward attitude and cry of the
soul.