Consecrate a Fast                                                                                            

                                                 Jole2:15                

As we are on the middle of a fast looking forward to Christmas, it is pertinent to exchange few words of God about fasting.

Fasting is a holy exercise expected of all children of God. It has the blessing of the Lord both in the old and New Testamental periods. Many have managed to see threats reversed through their rigorous fasting which got the attention of the Lord for it was holy enough.

Joel, whom we have quoted above by way of giving a heading to this treatise, and many other servants of God have spoken about and lived in fasting. As Joel says, it is up to believers “to blow the trumpet in Zion and consecrate a fast” to dispel existing and forthcoming challenges of life that might mar a holy life. If we read more of his lines, the prophet tells us that God is calling up on us to turn to him in fasting, weeping and morning. Why is He sending such a clarion call unto us? It is because we all are sinners and we need to repent. Leave alone us; great prophets like Isaiah have admitted that their venture of righteousness was only a vanity.

Now, the question is how sinful are we people of this age if Isaiah considers himself far less than righteous?  We need to fast a lot for we are living with and for sin. If we fast earnestly, we are told that God is gracious, merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. Joel 2:13. This prophet implores us to give a grain offering and a drink offering to the Lord hence He turns from doing of cleansing our sins. For this New Testament age, the offering expected of us is no more than a clean heart which serves as a fertile ground to harvest the fruits of the Gospel.

St. David also speaks of humbling himself with fasting. Ps. 35:13. This man of the Lord has passed through a sinful track before him getting God’s recognition as a holy man of His heart. David did indulge himself in adultery and indirect murder.
           

Our Lord and  Savior Jesus Christ has fasted to leave an example for us. He has told us why, how and when we shall fast. We need to fast to dispel evil spirits. Mark 9:29. We need to fast just now for the groom is not with us. He has gone to His Father having home the job of teaching us through his acts and words. Mark 2:20. When we fast, if should be with out hypocrisy for such a fast has no heavenly reward. Matt. 6:16.
           

To make the most out of our fast, it is not enough to just refrain from consuming certain food items. It must be supplemented by intrinsic meekness- Reconciliation, alms giving, prayer and other virtues should go hand in hand with it. Amen!!

Praise be to God. Amen!!