2025 Lent Devotional – Day 3

Lent Devotional: Day 3
Essence of Fasting
Rev. Dr. A. K. Lama

The essence of fasting is not merely abstinence from food. It is not simply a spiritual discipline for personal piety. The act of fasting, both in its intent and outward practice, anticipates capturing more than what its eventual practice. The prophet Isaiah reminded the religious people of God in Isaiah 58:2, “For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them.”

According to the prophet Isaiah, the essence of fasting is fourfold: (1) to seek the Lord daily; (2) be enthusiastic to know the Lord’s ways; (3) never abandon the commands of God, and (4) desire eagerly for the Lord to come nearer to them. In such fasting, there is no self-serving intent, exploitation of others, or any act of harming others (Isa 58:3 – 4). It is not ritually humbling oneself just for one day (Isa 58:5). Rather, it is a lifestyle that intends to seek justice for others (Isa 58:6), share food with the hungry, provide shelter to the homeless, and cover the naked (Isa 58:7).

The religious disciplines in the Old Testament were often a communal act through which an entire community would seek God’s favor and forgiveness (Neh 9:1; Esth 4:3; Jonah 3:5). It would often become a big public event, but in the New Testament, Jesus emphasized fasting as a private and secret personal discipline. He rebuked religious leaders who used fasting to draw attention to themselves. (Matt 6:16-18)

Abstinence from food could be part of healthcare disciplines. Still, this same act for a child of God is a discipline through which one persuades oneself to invite one’s Savior and the Lord into the realm of personal focus and priority. As Jesus quoted the scripture when tempted by Satan, “ It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” (Matt 4:4). Sometimes, food can become a distraction, a love, and a priority. The prayer over the dining table can become a ritual. In those situations, abstinence from food is an effective way to draw ourselves back to God.

Therefore, fasting can be contextualized in our personal lives as not only an abstinence from food but also from choices of serials on TV/NETFLIX/Apple/YouTube, etc. It could be abstinence from other passions, pleasures, or hobbies—whatever it takes for a child of God to give the first place to the one and only Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord, help us to fast from things that hinder our relationship with you. Amen!