Fasting

by Jannie

Prologue

As usual, will we, when closer to Jesus Christ [God], gasp at the discoveries made by merely being close to Him in [His] Truth (Jn 8:32,36;14:6).   We will find that this issue of fasting can be easily misconstrued, just as with tithing. We can discover the delusion of dependency on anything else than God. The moment we remove distractions and false dependencies, we get closer to God and what He had/has in mind for us (Jer 29:11; Jn 10:10; 17:20-23). We can also, with this choice to regain control over our spirit, soul and body, even realise the irreplaceability (healthy condition and situation) of family and those you love – and get discernment to identify also those who attack this gift of God that created us male and female; to be loyal, dedicated and committed in order to have godly offspring and a wonderful and healthy family, being conscious, informed and intelligent with what we consume in food, drink and thought – as we are supposed to be at large.

As a sneak preview, very carefully ponder Mt 6:31-34; Eph 3:17-21 and Heb 11:6. Observe the lesson from Jesus in Lk 18:11-14 about hypocrisy and false notions (false religion as in Mt 5:23-24; Mt 15:6-9; 23:15,28 and why fasting is needed to be better acquainted with Mt 6:1-4 and Eph 5:17). Now then, let’s examine this matter of fasting a little closer and, afterwards, come back to these Scriptures, shall we? Just bear in mind that this is not a medical article, and that the recent discoveries of the health benefits of intermittent fasting can be found through the reader’s own research and lectures from, for example, Dr. Sten Ekberg, a holistic doctor and ex-Olympic decathlon athlete with a whole series of videos (lectures) on YouTube that are very useful.

This meditation will rather focus on the possible spiritual mechanisms and components; and, to tie in with the meditation “Body, soul, spirit”, we’ll briefly cover these three of this as a trinity.

Interestingly, in Matthew 6, Jesus gave us at least three topics. (i) How to give (Mt 6:1-4); (ii) how to pray and forgive (Mt 6:5-15); (iii) how to fast (Mt 6:16-23); and then seems to summarise this with Mt 6:33.  But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.  Let’s consider this, shall we?

The physical

Studies are all the more uncovering why fasting can lead to a longer and healthier life.  It would be typical of our Creator Father to “hide” such phenomenal benefit in seemingly plain advice – just as He initially did with directions about hygiene. If all of this is considered with the meditation “The Testimony”, it becomes even more exciting.

For our optimum health and longevity, it seems to be not only vitally important what to eat (and what not), but also when (and when not).  Intermittent fasting diets are all the rage these days and shows how fasting can increase lifespan, slow aging and improve health by altering the activity of mitochondrial networks inside our cells.  Some scholars even claim that aging effects can be reversed by the right fasting cycles, the right diet and proper training.  This is rather exciting, and the readers can of course search the internet for all of these physical aspects in more detail themselves.

For the purpose of this meditation, though, we’ll examine only the spiritual aspect a little closer in an attempt to get a more accurate understanding of what is really Godly [Scriptural correct], as this is the aim with all the meditations on this website.  The medical and scientific information are better researched by the reader separately.

The borders between need [necessity, such as for water] and desire [indulgence, abuse, such as for alcohol or other bad substances] should be more obvious and self-evident. Note that indulgence culminates/manifests fundamentally in lust and greed, the sign of a beast, and that a perfectly plausible explanation for the number 666 of Rev 13:18 clarified by 1 Ki 10:14,19-20 (KJV) is explored in the meditation “Rapture raptured”, paragraph 4, page 10/25.  (As for indulgence as used by the Roman Catholic Church, refer to the meditation “Church part 2”)

The spiritual Principle

First, carefully contemplate Isaiah 58:3-8 with Mt 6 and 7.  The starvation is in this aspect of fasting not of food but from being so self-absorbed (in self-righteousness) that we can’t habitually even apply Mt 7:12.  Just as with the correct diet (eating habits), can forgiveness (attitude) also set us free from all sorts of debilitating (even fatal) illnesses.

[Spiritual] Fasting is not dieting. It is replacing intake of food with absorbing the Word of God (Jn 4:23,24,34). Carefully ponder Jn 4:10,13,14,31-34.

Look at our “modern” world, the technological conveniences, and our blindness to the indoctrination associated with this.  Observe the false gods made of even just sport, jobs, [own] fame and popularity and politics.  These should not have priority over God. Our rationalisation of our religion (Refer to the meditation “The Gospel”), self-claiming to be alright [sufficient], when we “worship” (Mt 15:6-9?) when it suits us at given, pre-arranged times, is nothing more than hollow self-righteous play-acting.  When we realise something is amiss in our authority on earth (Heb 2:8), it’s time to consider what fasting is about. So, let’s see…

Bear in mind proper hermeneutics and keep fasting in the context of Jesus’ teaching in Mt 6.  Observe then that Jesus gives us a threefold hint to a personal [secret] intimacy with God when we give (Mt 6:1-4), when we pray genuinely (even Jm 1:5-8, with genuine forgiveness; Mt 6:5-6) and when we fast (Mt 6:16-23).

Note at Mt 6:16-18.  The issue of “when” and not “if” (you fast), so popularly used by a dogmatic teaching to “prove” Jesus said fasting is incessantly compulsory, is incorrect. First, observe that “when” does not equal “must”. The revelation to still impart the religionist here (just as with the Law of Moses) is that at the crux of it all is the fact that Jesus is our righteousness and that God [Jesus] here again wants us to discover self-righteousness as the cause of our immature spiritual state (Phil 3:9).  Ironically, self-righteousness is blind to itself and thus needs The Word of God (Jn 1:14; Rom 10:17) and other more mature sons of God to direct and admonish us (2 Tim 3:15-17).  Even from a linguistic and logic reading, the word “when” (you fast) would rather simply convey “while” (as “whenever” in Mt 6:16 in the Amplified Bible).  The point is that religion makes it appears to be an impressive insight to point out that “when” implies “must” (a pre-requisite), while the very next word “you” is overlooked and that this is in fact a perfect example of self-righteousness!!  The contextual meaning is not that we are compelled to fast, but that when [ever] “you” [we] fast, we should not – basically – make a show of it.  It also is important to understand that God [Love] is not a manipulator and has left the choice up to us with the free will He has given us in His infinite wisdom and love.  I believe fasting was supposed to be part of a learning process of a true relationship between us and a non-manipulative God that is Love. i.e., familiarity with our spiritual life (Col 1:13-20). Read Mt 6:16-18 again with this in mind and receive the Spirit of God.  Be blessed in Christ and be free from the self.

The conundrum with the subject of fasting is thus more likely to be about a principle used as a trainer (such as Law reveals in Gal 3:25, expanded on in the meditation “The Covenant and The Law”), than an unrelenting periodic external ritual; with the mystery element being the apparent physical benefit to us with [intermittent] fasting.  The spiritual aspect of fasting hence relates to the principle in tithing and avoiding unclean food (Rom 14). Once the trainer has served its purpose successfully, it can be removed and the subject [re-born believer] can live manifesting authority and wholeness in Christ in God’s Kingdom on earth. Contemplate Lk 12:31-32; 17:20-21; 18:17. The meditation “Mixing Old and New” expands on this. See the trainer-principle in Gal 4:25; Jn 15:1-8; Heb 6:1-6; 2 Cor 10:5? The whole idea of fasting though, is that it can get us to what is captured in Col 3:1-17 with more than just theory. Once we genuinely have this renewed mind, the trainer [fasting] has served its purpose as a method per se in order to reach a higher spiritual state (Lk 17:20-21; Col 3:1-17); but on the other hand, does [intermittent] fasting seem to retain a definite purpose in- and effect on our physical longevity…

We find that Mt 6:1-4 is about giving, Mt 6:5-15 about prayer and Mt 6:16-21 about fasting. Observe that Jesus here taught us how to defend against the enemy’s assaults on our spiritual lives through greed, pride and lust. Secretly giving counter greed, secret prayer counter pride and secret fasting counter lust.

Note.  Having said all this and reconciling the words of Jesus in Matthew 6 on fasting with what is said in the meditation “The will of man, the will of God”, we’ll see that once again God merely gives us a word [aspiration, suggestion, offer, plan, even instruction or warning] but, being Love [not a manipulator], then leave the response entirely up to us. When we exercise our faith [trust in Him and following His teaching], we’ll find that there are much more to gain by following His [God’s] Word, than we could imagine (Eph 3:20) … note the “eternal and timeless purpose He realized and carried into effect in [the person of] Christ Jesus our Lord” (Eph 3:11) …

So, let’s try to look beyond symptoms and mechanics to the root (the meditation “Church” expands on this idea).

If you really spend real time with the real Person Who is the real Teacher, Guide, Counselor (Jn 14:26), Savior, Friend, Father, Brother, Creator-God daily as if He is your daily Bread (Jn 6:32-33,48-50,60; 1:1-4; 4:23-24; Rev 2:17)…  you will grasp and realize Jn 10:27-28 (1:12,17). We might just understand what fasting means and intends to address – to get those of us not continually in the Spirit to selah and loose our self-righteousness and carnality (Rom 8:1-10; even Ps 40:6-8; Mt 5:23-25); with the knowledge and insight that this “law” is not a set of rules but yet another key [precepts] that Jesus Christ came to give us by which we can/should live, the real fruit of the lips from the Word that became flesh – not those by Moses (Jn 1:17) that Gal 3:19; 5:4 explains. Remember that Jesus is the door (Jn 10:9; 14:6; Rev 3:8; 4:1) and the idea is not for Him to open every door for us, but for us to get the keys [principles] and exercise authority on earth (Mt 10:7-8; Jn 17:15-20. Find more on this in the meditations “The Covenant and the Law” and “Mixing Old and New” by this author).  We must eliminate [illuminate, reveal] the signs of a beast, namely lust and greed [self-righteousness].  A beast has no spirit[i]. And we should reflect God (Mt 5:14; Jn 4:23-24; Rom 8:14; Col 1:10-21).

Yet, as mentioned in the note above, will we find much more than we even imagine we can fathom by clinging to Jesus Christ and what He taught and demonstrated. As someone has said, we’ll serve Him better accidentally (in His presence and in synchronization with the precepts of Jesus Christ) than we could ever do intentionally [on our own].

The Background

Fasting is referred to 94 times in scripture. Even the antonym is referenced in Dt 21:20-21and Prov 23:20-21. In the Old Testament, Is 58:3-12 gives one of the clearest teachings on fasting. Jesus taught on fasting in Matthew 6:16-18. Most of the scriptures’ teaching on fasting is by precept. There are at least 35 people in the Bible who fasted. Of these, three fasted forty days: Jesus (this verse), Elijah (1 Ki 19:8), and apparently Joshua as a foreshadow of Jesus (Ex 24:13-18). Moses fasted for forty days without food or water and then immediately (Dt 9:9-25 with Ex. 32:30) repeated the fast, bringing his total abstinence to 80 days. However, this is not a prescription to the NT follower that knows, for instance, Jn 4:24; Rom 8:14; Gal 5:4,18.

Jesus is positively reported to have fasted only once after His baptism in Mt 4:1-11; Mk 1:12-13 and in Lk 4:1-15 to be tested and tried by the devil, and that particular ordeal was a plausible pre-amble to the sufficiency of Jesus Christ (Col 2:8-16; read with Rom 14) for all humans.  Note that John, after having received special revelation from Jesus on Patmos had already penned the book Revelation and remarkably makes no mention of this fasting of Jesus in the desert! This John does, however, give us Jn 1:1-4,14,17; 19:30 and so on. This same John mentions, however, that Jesus has shown on a few occasions to be concerned that people eat (Jn 21:12,15) and even baffled His followers with His idea of nurturing and nourishment (Jn 4:31-38; 6:5,31,45-58; 21:5).  More on Jesus can be found in the meditation “Who is Jesus Christ”.

Note on the Jewish calendar. Mk 15:25 tells us Jesus was crucified on the Friday 09:00 (the third hour from 06:00) and that He gave His Spirit at noon (when darkness fell, the sixth hour from 06:00) as noted in Mt 27:45 and prophesied in Amos 8:9. (Refer also, Mt 27:1; Lk 23:44-45). Jesus, to fulfil for example Jonah 1:17 as well, had to be “in the heart of the earth” for three full days and three full nights (Mt 12:40); and this only counts perfectly well in the Jewish tradition, not our 24-hour day tradition as demonstrated in the table in paragraph 5.21 of the meditation “Apparent controversies in the Bible” in www.gospel-truth.co.za.

Similarly, to be consistent, the fasting of Jesus recorded in Mt 4:2; Mk 1:13 and Lk 4:2 would have been in reference to the Jewish tradition, approximately half the time according to the Gregorian calendar we use today and is presently used by most Westerners.  By the way, the forty days fast and temptation of Jesus in the desert is not even mentioned in the gospel of John.  Remember the apostle John penned his gospel after having received the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Jn 1:1-4,17) on Patmos. The meditation in this website entitled “Revelation the book” expands on this.

Fasting accomplishes many things. One of the greatest benefits of fasting is that through denying the lust of the flesh, the spirit man gains ascendancy.  But when combining [intermittent?] fasting with the right diet and the right exercise, we can apparently greatly impact our [physical] health and hence longevity.

Fasting is a powerful weapon to be used in the battle described in Galatians 5:17. Fasting was always used as a means of seeking God to the exclusion of all else – if one is distracted by all else. Fasting does not cast out demons as Matthew 17:21 or Mk 9:29 might suggest at first glance; but rather it casts out unbelief because of the reasons mentioned above (Heb 12:2). Note that Mt 17:21 is in italics because it is not contained in all manuscripts; and furthermore, is Jesus not advocating that a ritual (fasting) is a pre-requisite to “drive out demons” but a spiritual maturity and authority that can only come as a result of a position in Christ that was learned from experience in His presence (Gal 4:25).  Therefore, what is learnt through fasting (as a means to grasp a precept and not the ritual per se) is beneficial to every aspect of the Christian life–not only in the casting out of devils. Remember that we are not told to fight the devil but resist him.  The best way to resist him is by rejecting him [bad thoughts] and to talk with/to Jesus Christ instead!  It astonishes how people don’t realize that by going to people for [continuous, repetitive] help is actually revealing that Jesus Christ [God, Holy Spirit] is not a real Person to them (Jn 14:26; Rom 8:14)!  Yes, this statement might shock, but think about it (Heb12) and consider reading the other meditations such as “Counseling and deliverance ministries”; “Who by Fire” and “Christian suffering”.

How fasting can work as training

What this training accomplishes is to give you confidence to act counter-intuitive for a good and positive outcome. As an analogy, when you need to travel [frequently] to a place over challenging terrain, would it be helpful to either build a new road or discover one that was undetected all along.  Neurologically the brain has to either build such protein paths or develop a new technique. The world calls it “mind over matter”.  For God’s guidance on this subject, ponder Scriptures such as Rom 12:1-3; 1 Cor 2:14; 2 Cor 3:13-17; 4:16-17 and 2 Pet 3:1. However, if you want to hear God [Jesus of Jn 1:1-3; Col 1:10-23], you should grasp this purpose for training such as fasting, from Eph 4:23-27! You develop confidence from your own personal experience in successfully controlling – counter-intuitively – even strong urges such as hunger pains that was driven by self-preservation; hence will you now be better equipped [exercised] in reacting counter-intuitively to hurt, temptation, things that anger you or when you feel wronged.  You now have a clearer idea how to react spiritually to impulses from a self-conscious soul. Observe that Jesus reiterates this spiritual control over flesh (Rom 8:6-8) in at least Mt 5:38-44 and 6:12, 14-15 when He admonish us to not retaliate but forgive. This is expanded on in the meditation “The Covenant and The Law”, and is supplemented by, for example, Rom 12:14,17,20-21 and 13:14. (Refer also to the meditation “Body, soul, spirit”).  The Bible [God] calls this updated software a renewed mind (Jn 3:3; 2 Cor 5:16-20).

For a little semantics – principal thoughts that become principles can be called principalities.  Eph 6:12 will show to be a warfare against thoughts in your head (The devil manifests through thoughts, that’s one of his more prominent ways of communicating to man).  We are attacked [entered] by a lying spirit that suggests the idea [thought] of rejection.  This denies Heb 13:5. This spirit of rejection, if accepted, brings in his accomplice called a spirit of rebellion.  This rebellion can manifest in many different ways, such as a displaced love for animals, bitterness, choice of lifestyles such as homosexuality, etc.  See the meditation by the author on “Counseling and Deliverance Ministries” for perhaps a better exegesis.

Duration

Without supernatural intervention, a person cannot fast without water for more than three days before he begins to die. The average person can only live seven days without water, depending on the prevailing conditions and influencing factors. However, a healthy person can apparently fast from food for forty days before starvation begins to occur. Much of the “hunger pains” experienced at the beginning of such a fast can just be our appetite starving and will leave after a while. When hunger returns at around forty days, however, starvation has begun and the fast should be broken unless it is a supernatural fast, as was the fast of Moses.  Remember, though, that Moses was BC and we are AD (see the meditation entitled “Mixing Old and New”, by the author). This author therefore believes that intermittent fasting is probably the [modern] way to go, with all of what is considered in this meditation.

However, when ending a long fast from food, one should use wisdom. Apparently, some people have died from eating “solid” food too soon. A general “rule of thumb” to be used for extended fasts (over 10 days) is to allow an equal number of days after the fast during which you break the fast by progressively eating more “solid” food until you are back to eating normally. Also, some have been said to have possibly developed stomach cancer by excessive fasting whilst taking huge amounts of supplements instead of eating normally.  Organs such as kidneys or the liver or the metabolism might be damaged permanently by irresponsible fasting, especially when trying to bluff people around you about your false spirituality (Mt 6:1-5,16-17).  Other hormonal imbalances and serious adverse health issues might also be caused by ignorance on fasting. The understanding of what you are trying to reach by fasting, the aim of fasting, is more important as how long or to what extent.  It is not meant to be a means for external judging or a feeble, futile and ridiculous notion to attempt extortion with God! (Mt 6:16-17; Jn 4:23-24; Rom 3:28; Gal 5:4,18; 8:6-14; Jm 4:1-10)

The real spiritual virtue of a fast is in the discovery and destruction of self-righteousness.  Initially thought to be a humbling of ourselves through self-denial (Ps. 35:13; 69:10) – but never in a type of martyrdom to try and do what Jesus had fully accomplished, but a re-focus on God and others around us so that we can radiate God’s Love and usefulness to others as well – and that can be accomplished through ways other than total abstinence. Just be careful to not try and “earn” favour with God!  See the meditation called “The Gospel”, if you will.  Be careful not to try and earn what Jesus Christ has already paid for and provided 2 000 years ago!… (Eph 1:3)

Partial fasts can certainly be beneficial, as well as fasts of our time or pleasures. However, because appetite for food is one of man’s strongest drives, fasting from food seems to get the job done the quickest in terms of control when fasting is used as part of our seeking God, in learning to place Him above any desire or urges generated by the self.  But remember that God does not want an anorexic or disturbed or stressed-out child, but a mature son like Jesus Christ that can go and purposefully demonstrate Mt 7:12 and 10:8 (Heb 2:8) … We do not need starvation to get closer to God or hear from Him (refer to the meditation “Hearing God’s voice”).  We can, however, be more whole (healthy in body, soul and spirit) with the proper restraint and self-control in what we think and do, not so?

The real revelation will not come from thinking you are on some sort of [camouflaged] hunger strike; but the revelation will come from the lesson learnt and understood by spiritual enlightening that you have control over the flesh by grasping 2 Cor 10:5; Is 5:18; and so on.  Once you realize your control over your flesh [carnality, lust, greed], you don’t need to abstain from eating to hear from God, for you have come to know how to habitually live with Him indwelling you (Jn 14:23-26). In other words, you learn to ignore [reject, 2 Cor 10:5; Gal 2:20-21; Jude 20-21] what you do not want to control you (Rom 8:13, and this can also be your sight – what you want to see first before believing it, which is plain unbelief – Heb 10:38; 11:1); and rather focus on the Author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2; Rom 12:1,2).

While you are in dispute with flesh and try to win arguments with Satan [or flesh] you will lose in despair.  Rather talk to/with Jesus Christ [Holy Spirit, Jn 4:23-24].  This is what you learn through all three aspects mentioned by Jesus in Mt 6 (To give; to pray; to fast).  You learn to remove [ignore] the flesh and thoughts driven by self.  You learn how to focus and apply Mt 6:33 naturally.  Remember that Jesus was talking to OT people in Mt 6 (Heb 9:16-18.)!  Then we see Heb 11:6 as well in reality!…

Types of fasting

There are various ways in which to fast. For instance, it can be absolute, where absolutely nil is taken by mouth – no food and no liquids, as Paul (Saul of Tarsus) did when he was converted to Christianity (Acts 9:9). Then you may, for instance, do a more “normal” fast where you only drink liquids (even just water). Or, you may opt for a partial fast, also called the Daniel fast, where you only abstain from certain specific food types or certain liquids. The degree and duration usually depend on the seriousness of your reason for your fast in the first place. Remember that it is a secret [intimate and private] affair between you and God (Mt 6:17-18).

Numbers

Before trying to extort answers from God with greater numbers of people going on a hunger strike; carefully contemplate Jm 5:16 (Mk 11:24; Jm 1:5-8) with Phil 3:9. If Jesus is your righteousness  then be careful to think your help from God is proportionate to the number of people involved in your concentrated effort at impressing an omniscient God that is Love [not a manipulator]  (Jn 14:23-26; Rom 8:17,26; 1 Jn 2:1-4; 1 Tim 2:5).

You must have observed the specific mentioning – by Jesus – of “in secret” in when you give (Mt 6:4), and when you pray (Mt 6:6) and when you fast (Mt 6:16-18) as an indication of His idea of a deep personal intimacy with Him.  Also, Heb 4:14-16 (refer to the meditation “Prayer” for an exegesis).  Selah?

Research (on the internet) can provide more medical and physiological facts to consider for fasting.

Conclusion

As mentioned in the introductory paragraphs, is the concept of fasting related to that of tithing.  The thing to know is that God looks at your heart [motives, thoughts]; rather than the ritual, tradition or ceremony [religion] (Mt 7:21-24; 15:6-9).  He wants the consistent relationship, and then one without manipulation or hypocritical play-acting …  for God is Love (1 Jn 4:4-11) … then we can apply Mt 7:12 as Jesus wants us to (Mt 5:23-24) …

In the case of fasting do we seem to be only beginning to find that, yet another huge physical benefit can manifest from this practice, almost as if it was hidden behind a suggestion (from God) as a gift (Heb 11:6).  Praise God!

So, you need not “punish” yourself (inflict bodily pain) or starve yourself like a martyr (Eph 1:3; 1 Thess 5:9-10; 1 Jn 3:19-24; Jn 4:23-24; 8:32,36; Heb 10:14-18)!  If we do it right, we’ll find the words of Jesus in Mt 11:29-30, of course, to yet again ring true.  Now again recall the powerful Col 3;1-17…

Peace to you, and a clear experience of Jn 10:27,28; 14:26. (Jn 11:26; 12:43-50; 1 Thess 5:23) …

Amen?

[i] Spirit is God-conscious; the soul [mind, i.e., intellect, emotion, will] is self-conscious.  An animal [“beast”] cannot develop a spirit.  God created a man to be a spirit with a soul inside a body.  Only man can be “re-born” from above [God, eternal higher state] by His Seed [Word] and this submission [trust, faith in His Word, Jesus Christ] is what alters your way of thinking [DNA].  Now your lineage is determined by His Blood on His cross, and His Seed Jesus Christ, and you can truly be His child… again… like He intended when He made man to His image [Father, Spirit, Son].  Remember that He is Love and this Love [Spirit] will never manipulate.  You got your will [choice] to hate what He hates (Rom 12:9) …  but only after you applied the trust in Him (Rom 12).  His name is Jesus Christ.