By Pastor Mark Moreno
Strength in the Word
You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.
Fasting is a very misunderstood concept in today’s world. Lots of people fast for medical tests or procedures, and perhaps even for weight loss. We are in the season of Lent and many Christians all over the world fast during that 40-day period.
The idea of fasting, though, goes well beyond food. The idea of fasting is for you to remember that your body does not control you. People are reminded that your stomach is not your boss! The need for sleep or the other physical desires we have are held captive. There is strength in the discipline of denying our physical cravings and desire.
There is another aspect of fasting though: It reminds us of what our Lord Jesus gave up for us. He suffered, He went without and made the ultimate sacrifice so that you and I would have a future, a hope, a gift of forgiveness.
The Bible records the temptation of Jesus by the devil, and the most concise account is found in Mark1:12-13:
“The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.”
-English Standard Version
In the other gospels, we read that Jesus responded to the devil’s specific temptations by quoting scripture. This is a powerful reminder that what we need in this world is the Word of God that points us to Jesus. He kept a fast in His walk that strengthened Him!
I encourage you to ponder what fasting can be in your walk with God. If you choose to fast in the near future or not, know that you can master your physical desires and make them captive to Christ. He will give you a spirit of wisdom and discernment, of power and strength.
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
