Not so Fast

I like eating.

It’s fun, it (usually) tastes good, and I literally cannot live without it.

And, yet, one day a week, most weeks of the year, I abstain from eating from morning until evening.

Why? 

Because I believe strongly in the power of fasting.

The Forgotten Fast

I became a Jesus follower in a church tradition that placed a heavy emphasis on Scripture.

And I’m exceedingly grateful for that.

This was a tradition in which the Bible was taught, prayer was important, and songs of worship were regularly sung.

All essential practices dating back to the earliest days of the Church.

Yet one practice, just as essential and historical, received scarcely any play there.

Fasting.

Many churches, specifically Protestant, have subtly drifted from this important practice that Jesus Himself engaged in.

Methodist minister John Wesley had some strong opinions on that, saying:

If only he saw fasting’s place in many churches today…

Getting Back In Touch With Fasting

Wesley’s words are pretty strong, and while I don’t think Jesus followers who don’t fast are excluding themselves from Heaven, I also think they aren’t doing themselves any favors.

The fact of the matter is fasting held an important place in the life of Christ, and the same should be true of His followers.

Yet, many of us shrink from the task.

Look, I get it, eating is amazing and fasting is uncomfortable. But just because something’s difficult doesn’t mean it’s without value.

So, this week on Theophilus, we’re going to take a good look at fasting.

We’ll define it, explain why it’s important, and end with some tips on integrating it into your apprenticeship under Jesus.

So cancel that Uber Eats order and return tomorrow as we take our next step towards the art of the fast.

(Made myself hungry with that one…)

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

Theophilus Newsletter