Of fasting and forty days

Of fasting and forty days

Scripture:

After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Matthew 4:2

Observation:

Continuing in our study of the great temptation of Jesus in the desert, we now see that the Lord proceeds to fast for 40 days and 40 nights. Fasting, which is basically abstinence from food for a spiritual purpose, has been practiced since Old Testament times. In times of great need, kings would call for a fast, where the people would abstain from food and pray to God in repentance. In Joel 2:15, the prophet declares “declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly”. Somehow, there is a great power in fasting, and God expects us to fast. In Matthew 6:17, Jesus said “When you fast”, not “if you fast”.

Still, fasting must be done with the right attitude, otherwise, it is of no effect at all. In Isaiah 58, God chides His people who fast with impure motives, showing violence and exploiting those weaker than them. Fasting should be done with great humility with an attitude to seek God’s revelation and presence. The late preacher Derek Prince lists down from Isaiah 58 10 specific rewards for those who fast God’s way - (1) Light, (2) Health, (3) Righteousness, (4) Glory, (5) Answered Prayer, (6) Continual guidance, (7) Satisfaction, (8) Strength, (9) Work that endures, (10) Restoration.

Fasting also has to be done in faith, just as it says in Hebrews that those who come to God must believe that He is and that He will diligently reward those who seek Him.

The period of 40 days and 40 nights is very significant in Scripture. It first occurred during the flood in Noah’s time when it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, purifying the earth from its evil. Later, Joseph embalmed his father Israel for 40 days. Two times, Moses went up to Mount Sinai where he spent 40 days and 40 nights with God, receiving the 10 commandments in Exodus. Later, the spies who went to Canaan spent 40 days exploring the land before they came back. Because of the Israelites believed the 10 spies bad report, they suffered 1 year of the wilderness for each of the 40 days spent exploring the land. In the time of David, Goliath stood before the Israelites 40 days before David rose up to slay him. Later, Elijah traveled for 40 days and 40 nights before reaching Horeb, the mountain of God. In Jonah’s time, he preached “40 more days and Nineveh will be overthrown”. After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to His disciples over 40 days before ascending to Heaven. 40 days has been used to signify a time of judgment (the flood, Israelites), or prior to judgment (Goliath, Nineveh). 40 days also signifies a powerful period of time of deep communion with God and great revelation from God (Moses, Jesus in the desert, and Jesus with His disciples after His resurrection). What if we set aside a time of 40 days to seek God in fasting and prayer?

One final point from this verse was that Jesus was hungry. That seems like one of the greatest understatements. How hungry would we be after fasting for 40 days? Still, the hunger reminds us vividly of Jesus’ pure humanity. He is fully man just as he is fully God. He knows what we go through because He went through it Himself.

Application: Be assured that fasting is a necessary practice for every Christian and seek God’s guidance to lead you into a suitable time and method of fasting. Consider the significance of the 40 day time frame. Seek the Holy Spirit over how we may use 40 days to seek God, whether in fasting, prayer, communion or specific service. Remember that Jesus was fully human just as we are. Praise Him and thank Him that He truly understands us.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the institution of fasting that originates from You. Give me the guidance and discipline to fast according to Your will. I thank You that in Your Word You have promised to reward those who fast in Your way to seek You. Reveal more and more of Yourself to us O Lord, that we may grow deeper in You, even through this practice of fasting. Give me an inspiration to seek You for 40 days. Guide me in how I should set time aside to seek Your face. Thank You, Lord Jesus that You came to earth and felt what all humans feel, that You would truly understand us completely. Praise be to Your Holy name. In Jesus name, Amen.