Ezra 8 - part 4

Eza 8:21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. (ESV)

The Mosaic Law prescribed one annual fast per year. Because of the captivity however, the Jews apparently added four annual fasts (see Zech 8:19 where God says that these four fasts will be turned into feasts). One document lists 25 different prescribed feasts, although most of them were apparently never accepted by the general public. ( http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/6033-fasting-and-fast-days)

Most of us have a stubborn streak in us that doesn't like to be told what to do. We get irritable when we miss a meal, and we get a headache is we miss our sweets or our coffee. So, between stubbornness and discomfort we just do not fast. But, I have to admit that those are poor reasons to not fast. There are no biblically prescribed fasts for the Christian Church. That does not, however, mean that a fast is inappropriate. Jesus did say that his disciples would fast after he was gone, and the early church did practice occasional fasting.

Fasting is for the purpose of humbling ourselves before God. It indicates our brokenness and our dependence on Him. And it provides time, means and opportunity for us to seek Him and draw closer to him. That is exactly what Ezra is calling his people to in this passage. This is not a fast to twist God's arm or somehow get his attention. It is intended to demonstrate humility and dependence. Their only hope is God, and this is how they are expressing that truth.

Perhaps as our world changes around us we need to reconsider the value of a fast. We occasionally need those times when drawing near to God is our primary focus. We occasionally need those times when we humble ourselves before God and seek His face. We occasionally need those times when we acknowledge our dependence and our need.

Our Church just had our annual business meeting. It was a good meeting, but I wonder what would have happened if we had fasted and prayed and sought God's face before going into a meeting like that. I wonder if it would have been less business and more Spirit. We acknowledge that we want to be guided by the Holy Spirit. We affirm that we want Holy Spirit led living and teaching of the Word of God. This is good, biblical, and important. The question is: Do we put ourselves in a position where we can actually hear from the Spirit of God?

I'm not about to stand up on Sunday morning and impose a fast on everyone in the church. But as a church and as individual believers perhaps we need to give this some more thought. Father, guide us clearly, guard us carefully, and may we keep in step with you.

By His grace,
Rick Weinert

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