Why do Christians fast during Lent, or do things that we don’t usually do? Is this on line with the teachings of the Bible? Or is it just something that we randomly think out? [Originally written and posted by Reverend Lau Sie Ngiu, translated by Paul Ling]
“Lent” is a 40-day period of fasting before Easter Monday, its climax being the “Holy Week” i.e. the week before Easter, followed by the joyous Easter,even the Pentecost (also known as Whitsunday) that comes after that. This is the spiritual training that numerous Christians from past generation churches do in order to commemorate the suffering of Christ’s sacrifice, to remind themselves that they “were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)
In fact, in 1st to 3rd century A.D., churches mostly fast for 2 to 3 days. For instance, Christians in Rome would fast and pray overnight during the 40 hours before Easter to commemorate Christ’s death and burial. Until 4th century A.D., this habit extends to forty days, once it reaches the dawn of Easter, the fasting atmosphere totally removes then the joy of Easter and Pentecost immediately follows. Moreover, followers stop fasting, also not kneeling to pray in public worship service to rejoice the “victory through Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)!
The 40-day fasting period, is the light we obtain from Moses, Elijah and Jesus Christ. 15th century B.C., Moses was there with the Lord at Mount Sinai, forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water, and he received the Ten Commandments and Laws from the Lord. Even as he came down the Mountain, his face was radiant because he spoke to the Lord! (Exodus 34:28-29) 9th century B.C., Elijah was at the downside of his serving, even after he looked to die, he experienced two times where angels appeared and supply food and drinks to him. After he ate and drink the second time, “Strengthened by that food, he travelled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.” Over there in a cave, he heard God’s voice and saw God’s glory (1 Kings 19:1-14). 1st century A.D., the incarnated Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days before he went out to preach. The result of it was the fulfilment of Holy Spirit, victory against temptation of the devil, and not leaving the Path of the Cross because of food, pride of life and prosperity of the world. Instead, obeying the will of the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly, walk towards the cross, into the cross and ultimately out of the grave, accomplished the great work of Salvation, bringing human and the creation out of the emptiness, sin, death and power of the devil!
This way, I think that the church’s traditional practice of 40-day fasting during Lent, is fundamentally sound based on the Bible. Of course, there are various methods of fasting. Some choose to fast one or two meals per day to spend more time reading the bible and praying, or reading spiritual books. Some fast meat, some resolve to spend lesser time watching television or playing games in 40 day, some reduce their living cost to do more charity and donate to the poor. Regardless of the method of fasting, what’s most important is sanctifying ourselves and purifying our hearts with God’s Word, to renew ourselves with strength, to be even more able to love our home and love other people with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind and all our strength, just like how we love ourselves, to participate in the expansion of God’s kingdom and the great cause of renewing and transforming our country.
In my experience of fasting in Lent, blessings that the Holy Spirit gave me includes,
1. Fostering a more restraint and patient character,
2. Eliminate certain lustful, negative thinking and emotions that has entangled me for years,
3. Being more sensitive to the voice and advices of the Holy Spirit,
4. Knowing more clearly the specific will of God, e.g. matters regarding my future and family.
