Discipleship and Fasting

 

Fasting, a practice entailing voluntary abstention from food, drink, or both for a spiritual purpose, finds its roots deeply embedded within the Judeo-Christian tradition. It is employed both as an act of penance and a vehicle for spiritual enlightenment and closeness to the Divine. This essay endeavors to explore the theological underpinnings of fasting within a Protestant Evangelical framework, expounding on the scripture and its interpretations while drawing upon ancient and contemporary ecclesiastical discourses.

Biblical Foundations of Fasting

Old Testament Prescriptions

The Old Testament provides numerous instances of fasting as a manifestation of humility, penitence, or earnest supplication before God. Noteworthy examples include the fasts of Moses (Exodus 34:28), David (2 Samuel 12:16), and Nineveh (Jonah 3:5-10).

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is the most significant fast in the Old Testament, wherein the Israelites were commanded to "afflict" themselves (Leviticus 16:29-31; 23:27-32). The Hebrew term 'innah' (to afflict) encompasses fasting as a means of self-affliction (Leviticus 23:27).

New Testament Exhortations

The New Testament narratives build upon the established practice of fasting, illustrating its role in the life of Christ and the early Church.

The Book of Isaiah, a significant prophetic text in the Hebrew Bible, contains a notable discussion on fasting, particularly in Chapter 58. This chapter presents a detailed exposition of the nature of acceptable fasting in the eyes of Yahweh, juxtaposed against the superficial fasting practices of the Israelites of the time.

The True Fast (Isaiah 58:3-7)

Superficial Fasting Rebuked (Isaiah 58:3-5)

The people of Israel query why their fasts have gone unnoticed by God. Yahweh, through the prophet Isaiah, rebukes their superficial fasting which is devoid of humility and contrition. They fast for strife and debate, and to strike with a wicked fist. The fast they choose is not one that makes their voice heard on high, but is hypocritical, performed for show, and it results in oppression and quarreling.

The Acceptable Fast (Isaiah 58:6-7)

God delineates the characteristics of an acceptable fast, which includes:

1. Loosing the bonds of wickedness.
2. Undoing the heavy burdens.
3. Letting the oppressed go free.
4. Breaking every yoke.
5. Sharing bread with the hungry.
6. Bringing the homeless poor into one's house.
7. Covering the naked.

In this passage, fasting is not merely a physical abstention from food but is integrally linked with acts of justice, mercy, and compassion.

The Promise of Blessing (Isaiah 58:8-14)

Blessings for Obedience (Isaiah 58:8-12)

Yahweh promises that if the Israelites practice the true fast, their light will break forth like the morning, and their healing shall spring forth speedily. The righteous actions accompanying a true fast will lead to Yahweh’s guidance, satisfaction, and strength. They will be like a watered garden, and they shall build up the ancient ruins and raise up the foundations of many generations.

Honoring the Sabbath (Isaiah 58:13-14)

This section, while not directly related to fasting, continues the theme of sincere religious observance, emphasizing the observance of the Sabbath, which is akin to the proper observance of fasting in its requirement for heartfelt obedience rather than mere ritual.

Isaiah provides a rich theological narrative surrounding fasting. It points out a central tenet of biblical fasting - that it must be conducted with a genuine heart aimed at social justice, personal humility, and obedience to God’s commandments. The discourse in Isaiah 58 serves as a profound evangelical touchstone, urging believers towards a form of fasting that transcends mere ritual to encompass a life of justice, mercy, and humble walking with God. This understanding of fasting is not only a reflection of personal piety but a manifestation of God’s kingdom ethic on earth. Through engaging in such biblically-endorsed fasting, believers are expected to reflect the heart of God towards the oppressed, the hungry, and the needy, embodying the love and righteousness of Christ in their lived experience. 

Jesus’ Fasting

The Gospel accounts elucidate Jesus' 40-day fast in the wilderness as a period of spiritual preparation and confrontation with temptation (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13).

Apostolic Practice

The Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline Epistles depict fasting as a communal practice in pivotal moments such as the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:2-3) and Paul’s personal fasts recorded in 2 Corinthians 6:5 and 11:27.

Theological Implications of Fasting

Fasting as Penance and Humility

Fasting serves as an outward expression of inner repentance and humility. By curbing physical desires, individuals are believed to foster spiritual receptivity and reliance upon God (Joel 2:12-13).

Fasting as Communion

The act of fasting can also be viewed as a means to commune more deeply with God, to seek His guidance or intervention.

Eschatological Significance

Jesus’ teachings in Mark 2:18-20 posited fasting within an eschatological framework, associating it with a longing for the eschaton and thus portraying fasting as a form of living in earnest anticipation of the Kingdom of God.

The Church's Perspective on Fasting

Early Church Fathers

The Ante-Nicene and Nicene Fathers, such as Augustine of Hippo and John Chrysostom, endorsed fasting as a means to combat sin and cultivate virtue, albeit with different emphases.

Reformation and Post-Reformation Views

The Reformation brought about a critique of ritualistic fasting, yet figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin acknowledged the value of fasting when undertaken with a correct understanding of its spiritual significance.

Contemporary Evangelical Practice

Fasting as a Disciplined Practice

Modern Evangelical circles often emphasize fasting as a disciplined practice that augments prayer, cultivates spiritual discipline, and enables believers to experience a deeper communion with God.

Challenges and Critiques

The potential legalism and ritualism associated with fasting are concerns within Evangelical circles, necessitating a balanced, Biblically grounded approach to the practice.

Fasting embodies a profound expression of piety, a means to cultivate a deeper spiritual rapport with God, and it is critical to discipleship. Its theological and ecclesiastical nuances invite a rich discourse on the interplay between corporeal austerity and spiritual edification, underscoring the enduring relevance of this ancient practice within contemporary Christian spirituality.

charles.l.jewell.jr@gmail.com

The Jewish High Holy Season, and Its Importance to Christians

The Jewish High Holy Season, comprising Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, is a time of spiritual renewal and atonement in the Jewish faith. While these holidays are primarily observed by Jews, they hold significant implications for Christians as well. This Blog post aims to explain the Jewish High Holy Season in 2023 and its importance to Christians, drawing upon the Bible for theological context.

The Jewish High Holy Season is a period of ten days, known as the "Ten Days of Repentance," that begins with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and culminates in Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). These holidays are observed in the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which in 2023 corresponds to September 16 to September 25, 2023. For Jews, this is a time for introspection, prayer, and repentance. However, the significance of these holidays extends beyond the Jewish community, offering profound insights and lessons for Christians as well.

Theological Foundations

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a day of judgment and renewal. According to Jewish tradition, it is on this day that God inscribes the fate of each individual in the "Book of Life" for the coming year. The shofar, a ram's horn, is blown to awaken the soul and call the faithful to repentance.

For Christians, the concept of judgment and renewal is deeply rooted in the Bible. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, writes, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV). Rosh Hashanah serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and the possibility of spiritual renewal.

The Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur stands as the holiest day in the Jewish liturgical calendar, a day dedicated to fasting, prayer, and repentance. The Kol Nidre prayer chanted in Aramaic, serves as the prologue to the Yom Kippur observances and sets the tone for the day's solemnity. While the Kol Nidre is fundamentally a Jewish prayer, its themes have universal implications that can be meaningful to Christians as well.

In the context of Yom Kippur, the Kol Nidre serves as a gateway to repentance. It acknowledges human fallibility and sets the stage for the confessions and atonements that follow. The prayer aligns with the broader themes of Yom Kippur, which include repentance, reconciliation, and the seeking of forgiveness from God and fellow humans.

The themes of repentance and forgiveness are not unique to Judaism; they are deeply embedded in Christian theology as well. In the New Testament, Jesus often speaks about the importance of forgiveness. In the book of Matthew, Jesus says, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (Matthew 6:14, KJV).

The concept of vows and their seriousness is also addressed in the Bible. In the book of Ecclesiastes, it is written, "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed" (Ecclesiastes 5:4, KJV). The Kol Nidre prayer can serve as a reminder to Christians about the gravity of making vows before God and the need for integrity in one's promises.

For Christians, the Kol Nidre prayer can serve as a point of reflection on the shared values of repentance and forgiveness that are central to both Christianity and Judaism. Moreover, it can foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of religious observance and the human condition, which is prone to moral and ethical failures.

The Kol Nidre prayer, while specific to the Jewish observance of Yom Kippur, carries themes that are universally relevant. For Christians, prayer can serve as a theological and ethical touchstone, reminding them of the importance of repentance, the gravity of vows, and the transformative power of forgiveness. By examining the Kol Nidre through the lens of Christian teachings, particularly those found in the Bible, one can appreciate the shared spiritual heritage and ethical imperatives that underpin both faiths.

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance aimed at seeking God's forgiveness for sins committed during the past year. The concept of atonement is central to both Judaism and Christianity.

In the Christian context, the ultimate act of atonement is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Apostle John writes, "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:2, KJV). Yom Kippur serves as a poignant reminder of the need for atonement and the grace that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

Implications

The Jewish High Holy Season offers an opportunity for Christians to understand the Hebraic roots of their beliefs. Observing these holidays can deepen their understanding of the shared theological roots and ethical principles that underpin both Christian and Judaic faiths. Moreover, it fosters a sense of unity in the belief in a monotheistic God who calls for repentance, renewal, and ethical living.

The Jewish High Holy Season this year serves as a time of spiritual reflection and renewal, not just for Jews but also for Christians. By examining these holidays through the lens of the Bible, Christians can gain a deeper understanding of the theological and ethical principles that are central to both faiths.