Vladimir Savchuk: Partof the Day

"Jesus taught His followers that fasting should be done in secret, not accompanied by open signs of mourning or efforts to gain man’s attention. Jesus’ teaching on fasting focused on true humility and service to God. It directly contrasted the Pharisees’ fasting. When confronted by the Pharisees about why His disciples weren’t fasting the way they did, Jesus answered that once He left this earth, His disciples would fast.

The early Church precisely followed Jesus’ example and teaching on fasting. Let me emphasize: They fasted regularly. Early Christians typically fasted twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays… Wednesday was to commemorate Jesus’ betrayal by Judas, and Friday was to remember His crucifixion. They abstained from food for part of the day, typically until mid-afternoon or evening, rather than observing strict, full 24-hour fasts."

Imagine pausing from eating each Wednesday to consider how our lives might look like Judas and areas we need to repent and change directions. And imagine reflecting on the death of Jesus on the cross for our sins each Friday rather than partaking of a meal.

These pauses feed our body and spirit so that our soul gets reset, renewed, and refreshed for service.

Consider one more thought today.

The fact that Jesus wants us to fast and tells us to do it in secret does not mean that we do not talk about it, teach others to practice it, and include it in our discipleship instruction. It means we do not do it for the wrong reasons.

Ask the Holy Spirit what fasting needs to look like for you. Jesus wants you to do while awaiting His return.

With all the preparations for the Global Gathering coming together and 134 people from 50+ countries convening, I have a lot on my plate this week in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (pictured above).

In the words of Esther, “Fast for me.”