Ezra 8:21-23
The spiritual purpose of fasting is to grow closer to God and to focus on spiritual growth. Fasting is a sign of humility with repentance and dependence on the Lord. It is a way to deny your body its physical needs, usually food, so that you can move your focus from the physical to the spiritual. Fasting clears the mind and body of earthly attention and draws us closer to God. Let me break this down into different areas:
The Biblical Purpose of FastingĀ is multifaceted and can be found throughout the Bible:
Spiritual Discipline: Fasting is a spiritual practice that involves voluntarily abstaining from food or other physical needs for a specific period. It is a way to discipline the body and focus on seeking God. Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2).
Repentance and Humility: Fasting is often associated with repentance and humility. In the Old Testament, people would fast as a sign of mourning, repentance, or seeking forgiveness from God. For example, the people of Nineveh fasted when Jonah preached to them (Jonah 3:5-10). Psalm 35:13, David said, "I humble myself with fasting," and Ezra 8:21-23 shows Ezra fasting, which enabled the Holy Spirit to guide and protect them on their journey.
Seeking God's Guidance: Fasting is a way to seek God's guidance, wisdom, and direction. In times of decision-making or crisis, individuals would fast and pray for God's leading. The early church leaders fasted before making important decisions (Acts 13:2-3).
Spiritual Intimacy: Fasting helps believers draw closer to God. When we deny our physical appetites, we become more attuned to our spiritual hunger. It's a time to deepen our relationship with God, hear His voice, and experience His presence. God is moved by a contrite heart and humble spirit. He is moved when our goal in approaching Him is to know Him, to hear Him, and to mold ourselves to His image. God already knows our needs and desires; we really do not need to tell Him of them. Prayer is really about us, as is fasting. It changes who we are, hopefully.
Spiritual Warfare: Fasting is also a form of spiritual warfare. Jesus taught that certain strongholds can only be broken through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29). Fasting helps us overcome spiritual obstacles and align ourselves with God's purposes. When Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi, they engaged in spiritual warfare. They exposed the kingdom of darkness and cast a demon out from a young lady. As a result, they prayed, and God responded. He joined them in the prison and caused the jailer to get down on his knees.
Self-Control and Dependence: Fasting teaches self-control and dependence on God. By denying ourselves, we recognize our reliance on Him for sustenance. It's a reminder that our ultimate satisfaction comes from Him, not from material things.
Acts of Worship: Fasting is an act of worship. When done with the right heart, it pleases God. Isaiah 58:6-7 emphasizes that true fasting involves caring for the oppressed, feeding the hungry, and helping those in need. This verse reminds us that true fasting is not just about abstaining from food; itās about seeking justice, compassion, and freedom for others. Fast to be filled with purpose and draw you closer to God.
Remember that the heart behind fasting matters. Jesus warned against hypocritical fasting (Matthew 6:16-18). It's not just about abstaining from food; it's about seeking God with sincerity and humility. Whether it's a partial fast (abstaining from certain foods) or a complete fast (no food at all), the purpose remains the same: to draw near to God and align our hearts with His will.
Matthew 6:16-17Jesus tells us how to do it in a way that is acceptable to God: We should not be like the hypocrites with a sad countenance. First, when you fast, donāt do it this way, but do it this way. God has given us a guideline of how to fast. Matthew 6:17: When you fast, we should anoint our head and wash our face. And our Father, who is in the secret place and sees in the secret place, will reward you openly. First, Jesus taught the disciples to pray, and then He speaks to them about fasting. Jesus expects His disciples, which includes us as Christians, to pray and fast regularly. Jesus puts praying and fasting on the same level. God speaks about praying and fasting in the same discussion. "And when you pray..."āuse the phrase when, meaning it is not optional; it is a must. As believers, we are expected to fast and pray. This is how you discover the power or the key to fasting.
What is the Purpose of Fasting?
It is one of God's appointed ways for us to humble ourselves before God. One of the biggest barriers we have is pride. "I humble my soul with fasting" or "I humble myself with fasting," depending on the Bible you are reading, to afflict means to humble.
Leviticus 16:29-31:You shall afflict your soul to cleanse you so that you may be clean before the Lord... a time of rest. To afflict means to fast. The Jewish people understand to go without food or water. The definition means to abstain from food for spiritual purposes. Israel was required to humble their souls in order to receive the benefits of the sacrifice offered on their behalf. This is an unbroken promise of the Jewish people from the time of Moses that on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), they were to afflict their soul by fasting. Acts 29:9: We see Paul referring to the Day of Atonement as "the fast." It is bringing our souls into subjection, not allowing our souls to dictate to us or God, but submitting ourselves to God.
God set a time for the children of Israel to afflict their souls and set it forever.
Ezra 8: On a four-month journey back to Jerusalem, Ezra was concerned about how he was going to get back with children and babies in the group. Ezra 8:21-23: He humbled himself. He put himself in a place by his testimony to the King about how God is his protector. So, there was no way he could go back to the King and ask for guards to come along on the journey. That would mean he was not living by his testimony. The Bible says we overcome by our testimony. So Ezra had to humble himself at the river. In previous verses, we are told of the genealogy of all the children of Israel who were returning to Jerusalem with Ezra. This was a massive group of people. When Ezra saw the multitude, he knew that there was no way he could take that journey without some form of protection. He did not choose the carnal way. He didnāt choose the worldās way; he chose the spiritual way.
The Benefits of Fasting
Spiritual FastingĀ has profound benefits that go beyond physical health. When undertaken with the right intentions and heart posture, it can lead to spiritual growth, clarity, and a deeper connection with God. Here are some of the key benefits:
Spiritual Intimacy and Focus:
Fasting allows you to set aside distractions and focus on seeking God. By denying your physical needs, you create space for spiritual hunger. It's a time to draw near to God, listen to His voice, and deepen your relationship with Him.
Jesus emphasized the importance of fasting in private, stressing that it's not about outward show but about connecting with God (Matthew 6:16-18).
Self-Discipline and Dependence on God:
Fasting requires self-control and discipline. When you willingly abstain from food or other comforts, you recognize your dependence on God for sustenance.
It's a reminder that true satisfaction comes from Him, not from material things.
Spiritual Warfare and Breakthrough:
Fasting is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. It helps break strongholds, overcome obstacles, and align your heart with God's purposes.
In the Bible, fasting was associated with victory over enemies (Judges 20:26) and breakthroughs (Acts 13:2-3).
Repentance and Humility:
Fasting often accompanies repentance. It's a way to humble yourself before God, acknowledging your need for forgiveness and cleansing.
The people of Nineveh fasted when Jonah preached, and God responded with mercy (Jonah 3:5-10).
Clarity and Direction:
During fasting, your mind becomes clearer. It's a time to seek God's guidance, wisdom, and direction.
Many believers have received specific insights or answers to prayer during a fast.
Empathy and Compassion:
Fasting helps you empathize with those who struggle with hunger and poverty. It sensitizes your heart to the needs of others.
As you deny yourself, consider how you can bless and serve others.
Spiritual Detox and Renewal:
Just as fasting cleanses the body, it also cleanses the spirit. It's an opportunity for renewal, growth, and revival in your walk with God.
Fasting plays a significant role in the Bible, with several powerful examples of individuals who fasted and experienced remarkable results.
Moses Fasting on Mount Sinai: When Moses ascended Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments, he fasted for forty days and nights as a sign of dedication and to seek divine guidance. His act of faith led to a renewed covenant for Israel and the reception of Godās law, which would guide the Hebrew people for generations.
Ezra Seeking Godās Protection: In the book of Ezra, Ezra and his followers proclaimed a fast while journeying back to Jerusalem, seeking Godās protection as they feared potential attacks along the way. Their faith in the power of fasting led to a successful journey, as God answered their prayers and shielded them from harm.
Estherās Fast for the Jews: In the book of Esther, Queen Esther called for a three-day fast among the Jews in Susa. She sought Godās intervention to save her people from Hamanās evil plot. Through fasting and prayer, Esther gained the courage to approach the king and ultimately saved her people from destruction.
Danielās Wisdom-Seeking Fast: Daniel and his associates undertook fasts to seek wisdom from God. In Daniel 9, he fasted and prayed for understanding regarding the prophecy of the seventy weeks. His faithfulness led to divine revelation and insight.
Davidās Cry for Deliverance: In Psalm 35, David expressed his distress and cried out to God. He fasted as part of his prayer for deliverance from his enemies. Davidās fasting demonstrated his dependence on God, and God intervened on his behalf.
Annaās Devotion in the Temple: In Luke 2, Anna, a prophetess, spent her life in fasting and prayer at the temple. Her devotion led to her encounter with the infant Jesus and her proclamation of His significance to all who awaited redemption in Jerusalem.
Paulās Fasting and Commission: In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas fasted and prayed before their missionary journey. Their act of seeking Godās guidance resulted in the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of new churches.
These examples highlight the immense power of fasting as a spiritual discipline. Whether seeking wisdom, protection, deliverance, or divine intervention, fasting remains a powerful way to draw near to God and experience His transformative work in our lives.
Isaiah 58:6 (NIV):āIs not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?ā
Both the Old and New Testaments teach the value of fasting, which involves abstaining from food or drink to focus on prayer and seeking God's will. Fasting is mentioned over 70 times throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, there were two types of fasting: public and private. Both types offer great spiritual benefits.
Through the many examples of people in the Bible who fasted, we can see that God grants supernatural revelation and wisdom through this practice. Moses, Daniel, and even Jesus fasted! Scripture tells us that fasting helps us grow a more intimate relationship with Christ and opens our eyes to what He wants to teach us.
Top Bible Verses about Fasting
Matthew 6:16-18Ā - "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."
Joel 2:12Ā - āYet even now,ā declares the Lord, āreturn to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.ā
Daniel 10:3Ā - "I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks." (Learn more about the Daniel Fast)
Ezra 8:23Ā - "So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty."
Isaiah 58:6Ā - āIs not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?"
Acts 13:2Ā - "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'"
Psalm 69:10Ā - "When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach."
Acts 14:23Ā - "And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed."
Exodus 34:28Ā - "So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights. He neither ate bread nor drank water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments."
Nehemiah 1:4Ā - "As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven."
Application
Fasting requires faith, as demonstrated by Ezra, who had to apply his faith in the process. For us to see results, we must trust God and put our faith in Him.
In 1 Kings 21, Ahab, one of the most wicked kings and the husband of Jezebel, led Israel into idol worship and wickedness. Elijah pronounced Godās judgment on him, but when Ahab humbled himself, fasted, and mourned, God decided to withhold the calamity from him and his family. Similarly, in Jonah 3, when the king of Nineveh called for the whole city to fast, God saw their works and relented, sparing them for over 100 years. If fasting could have such a profound effect on others, what can fasting do for us, our nation, and our family when we humble ourselves before God?
Corporate Fasting
Look at Esther: When a decree was sent out to destroy the Jews, Esther rose to the challenge and called for three days of fasting among the Jews. The result was the complete reversal of the situation. Fasting has the potential to change the outcome of our circumstances.
In 2 Corinthians 6:4-5, Paul commended himself as a minister of God "in fasting," while in 11:23-27, he speaks of fasting as part of his hardships, emphasizing the commitment involved.
In Acts 13:1-4, as the early church ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit spoke, revealing God's plan. They fasted to hear God's will, then fasted again for prayer, laying hands on those they sent out, marking the beginning of their apostolic mission. Through fasting and prayer, they planted churches, appointed elders, and saw the Gospel spread.
God has given us the key to knowing His mind and His plans for us.
Personal Fasting
When considering your own fasting life, reflect on how it affects your relationship with God. As mentioned in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray... I will forgive their sins and heal their land." This is a call to action.
God has provided four actions for us to take:
Humble ourselves
Pray
Seek His face
Turn from our wicked ways
And three promises from God:
I will hear
I will forgive
I will heal their land
When God asks us to proclaim a fast, it may not always be received with enthusiasm, but over time, we will see His move among His people.
Joel 2:12-17Ā speaks of turning to God with all our heart, fasting, weeping, and mourning. When we do this, God promises to pour out His Spirit on all flesh (Joel 2:28), a promise of revival.
The responsibility of church leaders is to set an example for the congregation, and when this is in place, Joel 3:18Ā tells us that "the mountains will drip with new wine, and the hills will flow with milk." Fasting can break the bonds of oppression and bring deliverance, as seen in Isaiah 52:2, where God gives us the power to loose ourselves from bondage.
Let us make fasting and prayer a regular part of our church life, so that we may experience healing, freedom, and revival in our communities.
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