Topical Bible: Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Afflictions of the Church

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Topical Encyclopedia

Fasting, a spiritual discipline involving abstention from food and sometimes drink, is a practice deeply rooted in biblical tradition. It is often observed during times of personal or communal affliction, serving as a means of seeking divine intervention, guidance, and comfort. In the context of the Church, fasting during afflictions underscores a collective turning to God in humility and dependence.

Biblical Instances of Fasting in Affliction

1. Esther and the Jewish Community: One of the most poignant examples of fasting in response to affliction is found in the Book of Esther. When the Jewish people faced extermination due to Haman's plot, Queen Esther called for a fast. "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do" (Esther 4:16). This communal fast was a plea for divine intervention and protection.

2. Nehemiah's Response to Jerusalem's Ruin: Upon hearing of Jerusalem's desolation, Nehemiah engaged in fasting and prayer. "When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven" (Nehemiah 1:4). His fasting was an expression of grief and a request for God's favor in rebuilding the city.

3. The Early Church: The early Christian community also practiced fasting during times of decision-making and affliction. In Acts 13:2-3, the church in Antioch fasted and prayed before sending out Barnabas and Saul for missionary work. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off" (Acts 13:2-3).

Purpose and Significance

Fasting during afflictions serves multiple purposes within the Church:

· Repentance and Humility: Fasting is often associated with repentance, as seen in the actions of the Ninevites in response to Jonah's warning. "When the word reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: 'By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink'" (Jonah 3:6-7). This act of fasting was a demonstration of humility and a plea for God's mercy.

· Seeking Divine Guidance: In times of uncertainty or decision-making, fasting is a means of seeking God's guidance. The early Church's practice of fasting before appointing leaders or embarking on missions highlights its role in discerning God's will.

· Intercession and Deliverance: Fasting is a powerful form of intercession, as demonstrated by Esther and the Jewish community. It is a way to earnestly seek God's deliverance from perilous situations.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, fasting is not merely an external act but a reflection of an inward posture of the heart. It is a voluntary act of self-denial that aligns the believer with God's purposes and opens the heart to His presence. The prophet Joel calls for a return to God with fasting, emphasizing the heart's condition over ritualistic observance: "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning" (Joel 2:12).

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the proper attitude towards fasting, warning against hypocrisy and encouraging sincerity: "When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward" (Matthew 6:16). This teaching underscores the importance of fasting as a genuine expression of faith rather than a public display of piety.

Conclusion

Fasting during times of affliction remains a vital practice within the Church, serving as a means of drawing closer to God, seeking His intervention, and expressing communal solidarity in the face of trials. Through fasting, believers demonstrate their reliance on God, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His grace in times of need.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 5:33-35
And they said to him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but your eat and drink?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch
... powers; what further need have I of fasting, or to ... and drink, which are given us,
by occasions and necessities ... For, as I have already observed, he was not so ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i this homily was.htm

The Life of Mr. Thomas Hog.
... for he frequently employed such on extraordinary occasions) to set ... a day and a night
for fasting and prayer ... During the time of worship, he observed a servant ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr thomas.htm

Letter xx. Self-Examination.
... To be used on ordinary occasions. ... Have I observed my regular seasons of prayer ... In
such cases, also, it may be very proper to observe a day of fasting and prayer ...
/.../letter xx self-examination.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... were led to humble themselves by fasting and prayer ... that pressed him down on ordinary
occasions; at the ... Ostervald has observed, Hell is paved with the skulls of ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

Confessio Augustana.
... are to be observed which may be observed without sin ... do nothing' (John 15:5), and
the Church singeth, 'Without ... to wit, that he be invocated in all afflictions. ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/confessio augustana.htm

Answers to Prayer
... One day, as little George observed his mother weeping ... of conscience he sought in
fasting and special ... thy strength,' comes in beautifully on such occasions. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... consultation and prayer; appointed days of fasting and thanksgiving ... and he evinced
on all occasions a mind ... the primitive records of the church, in analyzing the ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

Footnotes
... has composed an admirable work." It has been properly observed, that during ... On one
of the occasions, she was taken to Edinburgh, and ... of the Church of Scot., vol ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... go through a most painful process of fasting and other ... nation, but of great and painful
afflictions: by a ... duties of religion are punctually and daily observed. ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... state of the wretched persecutor, who occasions such sufferings ... night of the Lord
to be observed of all ... I should count those but small afflictions, and should ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm