Examination Of Bible Fasts (2)

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Examination Of Bible Fasts (2) 

Friday 4th April

Text: Esther 4:13-17 

Key verse: In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. Daniel 10: 2.

e: The Jews under king Ahasuerus had a death sentence written against them by the King, whose decree could not be changed. Haman was responsible for this, Esther 4:13-17. Queen Esther saw herself powerless on this issue. Being pressed to the wall by Mordecai, she decided to take her life into her hand by going in to see the king. She requested of the Jews to fast with her three days, none should eat or drink for those three days. The common fast among the Jews was one day. Now they were to go for three days continuous fasting. The situation on ground called for it! In answer to their prayer the Lord granted them great deliverance. 

f: Daniel, by the scriptural account given, did not plan to go into twenty-one days fast. The fact was that he was determined to remain in mourning condition of fasting until he received answer from God, Daniel 10:1-14. He did not eat pleasant food; this suggests that he ate something so as to have strength to do his work. He avoided eating meat or flesh, because that would give his body the pleasure, he purposed to deny himself of. He did not drink wine; this suggests he drank water only. He did not anoint himself; this suggests that he took bath during the period, only that he did not anoint himself with ointment after bathing. His fasting or mourning state came to an end the day he received divine visitation in response to his prayer. 

g: Anna, the prophetess was said to serve God with fasting and prayers night and day, Luke 2:36-38. We understand by this scripture that Anna fasted often. But how often she fasted was not stated. She served God, day and night in the Temple. 

h: Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness where He fasted for forty days, Matthew 4:1, 2. His fast was by divine guidance and control. We did not read that this kind of fasting was repeated by Him, any of His disciples or apostles. Apostle Paul fasted often because of the challenges of the gospel work but he fasted with moderation, so as to maintain good health and strength to preach the gospel.

Thought For The Day: Fast with moderation to maintain strength to preach the gospel

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