Daily Reading

QUESTION: Should Christians fast today?
ANSWER: Those who lived under the Old Testament were commanded to fast at certain times and under certain conditions (Leviticus 16:29-34; Numbers 30:13-16). It is also true that they fasted voluntarily (II Samuel 12:16; I Kings 19:8). Jesus, living under the Old Testament, kept it perfectly, being without sin (I Peter 2:22). He also fasted voluntarily (Matthew 4:2).
There is no commandment in the New Testament for Christians to engage in public fasting. Indeed, Jesus told the Pharisees not to fast publicly, but rather to do so privately, avoiding the praise of men (Matthew 6:16-18). Jesus also said that after His return to heaven His disciples would then fast (Matthew 9:14-15). Clearly then, Jesus not only fasted as our example, but, as well, authorizes His followers to do the same today.
The purpose of fasting is to strengthen us during periods of great trials in our lives; to help us through times of deep sorrow (Matthew 9:14-15). It is also a means by which we can more readily change our focus from earthly things to spiritual matters, thus making our service to God, including our prayer lives, more meaningful and effective.
Specific times and occasions have not been given as to when we should fast. They are decisions to be made by each individual. It follows, too, that one person’s decisions in these matters are not to be bound, or forced, upon another.
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