March 29, 2009
FASTING (Part 1)
Posted by John Loppnow
I’ve been learning about what the Bible reveals about fasting from one of my favorite authors Scot McKnight. His book Fasting provokes not only my thinking but also me to actually fast.
Here is how he defines fasting.
Fasting is the natural, inevitable response of a person to a grievous sacred moment in life.
Here are some more quotes from the book that might draw out more ideas from his definition.
Does it bring results? Yes, but that’s not the point of fasting.
Which leads us to see fasting in an A -> B -> C framework. If one wants to see the full Christian understanding of fasting, one must begin with (A), the grievous sacred moment. That sacred moment generates a response (B), in this case fasting. Only then, only when the sacred moment is given its full power does the response of fasting generate the results (C)—and then not always, if truth be told.
Fasting isn’t a manipulative tool that guarantees results. Fasting is a response to a sacred moment, not an instrument designed to get desired results.
A
Sacred Moment
Death
Sin
Fear
Threats
Needs
Sickness
B
Fasting
Responsive Fasting
C
Results
Life
Forgiveness
Safety
Hope
Answers
Health
Those who are most moved by sacred moments find themselves fasting and, because they are in tune with what God is doing in this world in those grievous sacred moments, they may discover desired results.
What McKnight presents has really encouraged me to look for the sacred moments and to respond with my whole being. He calls it body talk (more on that later). I feel free to respond with to a sacred moment. Personally, I felt uncomfortable with doing something in order to get something from God. For me, I can respond genuinely.
I hope this encourages you to respond to the sacred moments in your life. If I may I would encourage you to consider the sacred moment we are in as a church with the launching of Olive site. Maybe we could fast as a community.
Blessings to you.
Comments
wow! thanks for these blogs pastor john! i had no idea these were here. very insightful and thought provoking. nice :)
Posted by janeywaney on April 11, 2009
Hi Janeywaney,
Hope its helpful. If you find any posts really good post it on your twitter. You twitter, right?
Any topics you’d like to see commented on here?
Blessings,
John
Posted by Pastor John Loppnow on April 11, 2009
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