Good day dear friends.
We continue to walk with the Lord as we study more about this
particular mark called discipline.
Here is our study guide for today:
Thursday: Read Luke 4:1-15. This is the story of Jesus' forty days
in the wilderness. As you read the story what do you suppose helped
him with the temptations He faced from Satan? Is fasting one of
your spiritual disciplines? Why or why not?
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was
led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was
tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and
when they were over, he was famished. 3 The devil said to him, "If
you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of
bread." 4 Jesus answered him, "It is written, "One does not live by
bread alone.' " 5 Then the devil led him up and showed him in an
instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And the devil said to
him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it
has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. 7 If
you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." 8 Jesus answered
him, "It is written, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only
him.' " 9 Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on
the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of
God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, "He will
command his angels concerning you, to protect you,' 11 and "On their
hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot
against a stone.' " 12 Jesus answered him, "It is said, "Do not put
the Lord your God to the test.' " 13 When the devil had finished
every test, he departed from him until an opportune time. 14 Then
Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and
a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. 15 He
began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
The purpose of being in the wilderness for Jesus was to be alone
with God. And for this experience to be a powerful one Jesus
followed the discipiline of fasting. Fasting can be explained as
giving up physical food for spiritual food. Instead of relying on
pizza, one relies on prayer. This is the toughest of the
disciplines for so many and one must be careful in observing it.
The late Cesar Chavez was a man of fasting and was famous for the
forty day fasts he would lead while leading the cause of the United
Farm Workers. Yet, some would argue, this was precisely was led to
his death; his repeated long fasts took a toll on his body. As far
as we know this forty day fast of Jesus was the only time he fasted
for so long.
Jesus knew his ministry was going to be tough. And he was right for
it started right as he was finishing his fast. But he was ready
because of the prayer time he spent with his heavenly Father. The
time he spent being nourished spiritually, though he emerged weak
physically, strengthened Jesus' faith outlook and every one of
Satan's temptations was met head on.
Is fasting one of your spiritual disciplines? One need not fast for
forty days straight, in fact your doctor would probably not
recommend it; but one can give up one meal or if you have a routine
in place of sitting down for a soda, instead of that soda time,
spend it in reading scripture or praying. And share with God your
intention; fasting for some is a time of asking for answers. The
best thing is that you spend time with God and the blessings are
great.
PRAYER: God of all provision, we thank you for spiritual gifts that
nourish. Come and nourish us now as we seek to be known as Your
disciples. We praise you and love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
