WEEK 1: The Pleasure of Fasting
(Matthew 4:1-4) 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted to by devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, It is written, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, thrown Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, “In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’” 8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” 11 Then the devil left Him, and behold angels came and ministered to Him.
Over the last few years, I have grown to see fasting as a type of feasting. We’re not simply saying no to fresh baked bread, we’re saying yes to the Father’s better bread.
During a season of fasting, Jesus answered the temptation of the enemy by declaring, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that [continually] proceeds from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)” Later in His ministry, Jesus tells His disciples, “I have food you know not of. (John 4:32)”
Fasting is feasting on the eternal and overflowing pleasures of God. It’s feasting on His words of life. It’s feasting on revelation from the Father’s heart. It’s feasting on His character. It’s feasting on the glory, majesty, and holiness of God. It’s feasting on His affections and emotions. It’s feasting on the sustaining power of His everlasting love.
As we begin this 21-day fast, let us remember that fasting is not just saying, “no,” to certain foods, but saying, “yes,” to pleasures of the Father and the abundant delight found at His right hand.
Prayer: O Lord, Sustainer of Life, God of infinite pleasure and delight, cause Your smiling face to shine on me today. Let me experience the “pleasures evermore” found only at Your right hand. Holy Spirit, help me pursue the “better bread” this week. Give me strength and grace as I engage in this First-Love Fast. Speak to me from the depths of Your heart. Amen.
