No we really don’t want to fast or even be conditioned to do so. I would much rather talk about Gathering at the “Banqueting Table.” Before we throw out the Idea, let’s just see what God is saying, it might just whet our appetite to lay our appetite down for a greater fulfillment.
When we think about fasting, many think of Isaiah 58. Before we go there;
“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting.
Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. So you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the Secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
“ I Remembered Ecc. 14:12 “God will bring every work into judgement including every secret thing Whether good or evil.” This is one of the Good ones! Notice the scripture says, “When you fast”, Not If you fast! So that settles our first complaint. God will not bring Himself down to our level Spiritually, but lift us up!
Isaiah wrote these words, instructed by the Holy Spirit, for our good and blessings. He related; you people Say, “Why have we fasted; and You[God] have not seen? Why have we afflicted our soul and You take no notice?”
You will have to read Isaiah 58 to see this, but I have to condense it for this space; In return, God said something like this, “Is this really the kind of fast I would choose? A fast that causes you to whine, disfigure your faces, drawing attention to yourself? You will not fast as you do this day to make your voice heard, as though you are trying to manipulate me. Is this really a fast I would Choose?” --- You see, our heartfelt prayers get the attention of God; and sincere yielded, humble fasting, gets our attention on God. True fasting shuts down the flesh and gives the Spirit freedom to hear from God.
God said “This is the kind of fast I have chosen.” I verse 6-7 He gives us 8 things that true fasting does.
1.“To loose the bonds of wickedness” We can help others get set free.
2. “To undo the heavy burdens” Right now the people in the world are heavy laden.
3. “To let the oppressed go free” 50% of the people are taking some form of nerve medication.
4. “That you break every yoke.” The yoke of addiction has in some way affected every Family.
5. ”To share your bread with the hungry” We may get this opportunity sooner than we think!
6. “That you bring to your house the poor who are cast out” When Government quits.
7. “When you see the naked, that you cover him. Not only physical, but spiritual as well.
8. “And not hide yourself from your own flesh” Be not deceived about your real self.
Then-- after all that; “Then, your light shall break forth like the morning” Light is a symbol of Revelation. Morning is the wake up time, Revelation will dawn on you. Bright ideas come. Then-- your Healing shall spring forth speedily.” How long have you been praying for healing? Then—“your righteousness shall go before you” righteousness prepares your way; “So that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”[Rom.5:21].
We are saved by Grace, and Grace reigns through Righteousness!
There is so much more that fasting does for us. That is why Jesus told us, When you fast, like all the blessings of God, there are conditions, if we do that, then God will do this.
Our first step into all the Blessings is receiving Jesus as our Savior and Lord of our life, our lifestyle, our relationship, our communication, asking for forgiviness, repenting of past sins, yielding to His ways, not ours ! Conditioning for Eternity! That is Exciting!