JP35: FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

Around 481 BC, a young Jewish woman named Esther rose from relative obscurity to royalty, becoming Queen of Persia. An unlikely but providential pairing with conquering King Xerxes since the Jews lived in exile under Persian rule. Her response to the evil conspiracy to exterminate her people illustrates an inspiring faith that risked everything for justice.

Esther’s courageous strategy involved revealing her nationality - deliberately kept secret at the advice of her uncle, Mordecai.  The plan itself would risk her life, since according to royal custom, simply approaching the king’s inner court without summoning was punishable by death.  (Esther 4:11)  Fearful and uncertain, Esther sought Mordecai’s counsel.  He advised Esther to act boldly, reminding her that she has come into her “royal position for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14)

Before approaching the king, the wise and humble Esther recalled her uncle and instructed him in this way:

“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions.” (Esther 4:15–17).

Fasting has fallen out of favor among Christ-followers in the western world. Still, Jesus prepares us with timely instruction designed to keep us alert and vitally connected to the Father.

From His sermon on the mount, Jesus explains,

“Whenever you fast, don’t be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they make their faces unattractive so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”  (Matthew 6:16–18, CSB).

Jesus Assumes We’re Fasting

Twice in this brief text, Jesus begins his guidance on fasting with the verb phrase "when(ever) you fast.” Jesus intends for his followers to fast, but not in a way that draws attention to ourselves.  The point of fasting is to draw near to God tangibly, not to flex religious piety.

What Is Spiritual Fasting?

C.B. Bass provides this explanation,

“Spiritual fasting entails setting aside activities as well as reducing the intake of food and replacing these activities with the exercise of prayer and preoccupation with spiritual concerns.”

The most restrictive form excludes food and water, similar to Esther and her countrymen as they urgently sought God’s deliverance.  A less stringent fast keeps the fluids but avoids all forms of food.  

Some health-related concerns understandably keep a person from a traditional fast.  In those cases, people choose to fast from something else such as social media, alcohol, or any activity that avoiding altogether would bring to mind one's need for the Father's spiritual nourishment.

Why Fast?

We fast as a means to prepare our mind, body, and soul to follow Christ's example, growing deeper in our love for God and our neighbors.  Fasting also strengthens our defenses against a determined foe. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert before his temptation by Satan.  If Jesus’ ministry required the spiritual strength that fasting provides, then so does ours.  Jesus words after speaking to the Samaritan woman provide additional insight,

“In the meantime the disciples kept urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about.” The disciples said to one another, “Could someone have brought him something to eat?” “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work,” Jesus told them.” (Jn 4:31–34, CSB).

Jesus’ desire for food was second behind knowing and doing the will of the Father.  In this way, he was nourished by a spiritual satisfaction that eclipsed his body’s desire for food, empowering Him for one of the most redemptive conversations recorded in scripture.  

For us, fasting is a reminder that our most basic need is the Father’s spiritual nourishment.  Without it, we move through life empty of spiritual power which leads to fear, anxiety, and an overreliance on faith conquering comforts.

How To Fast

One way to fast is to begin after lunch and end the fast at the evening meal on the following day.  This practice allows enough time for the absence of food to remind us of our need for the Father's grace, power, and presence.  As hunger pangs increase, allow the discomfort to remind you of his sacrifice on the cross and bring you into a posture of prayerful reliance and adoration.

Focus your fast on your spiritual growth and for the needs of those around you.  Ask the Lord to increase your love and compassion for every person in your sphere of influence. Bring all of your anxieties to the Lord, learning how to rest in His sovereign power and grace.

Fasting Should Be Free From Fakery

When we turn fasting into spiritual window dressing, all of the power of God vanishes from our efforts.  Jesus says that any accolades we may receive are our only reward and that we forfeit the present and future blessings of drawing near to God simply and humbly.

Instead of gloomy piety, Jesus guides us to fast in a way that exalts the Father by preparing ourselves to engage others with a smile, words of encouragement, and meeting real needs seen only by the Father.

The Father Rewards Faithful Fasting

After fasting for three days, Esther met with the king, and he extended to her his scepter, indicating the king’s favor.  Esther then exposed the wicked conspiracy to kill her countrymen, and the king took decisive action to spare their lives.  Esther knew that bringing about true, biblical justice required courage and strength from the Father.  She also needed the Father to work in ways that she could not see.

For example, King Xerxes couldn’t sleep the night before Esther was to speak with him, and he ordered his attendant to read from the history of Persia.  As it happened, the reading revealed how Esther’s uncle Mordecai alerted officials to a scheme to assassinate the king.  Xerxes then honored Mordecai, a Jew, before the entire city of Susa.  Thus, the move of God to thwart the destruction of God’s people began even before Esther exposed the plot to the king.

Our fasting may not have the same dramatic results, but the Father promises to reward us just the same.  Instead of miraculous deliverance from an evil conspiracy, the Lord may fill you with His presence in such a powerful way that people or obligations that once made you anxious or fearful seem small in the light of His tangible presence.  You may find yourself primed with a new perspective on a difficult situation or a more effective way to listen and communicate with a difficult friend.

Drawing near the Father through consistent prayer and fasting clarifies priorities and prepares us for the good works that God prepared for such a time as this.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for Esther’s example of faith under fire and for how you worked through her to deliver her countrymen.  Like her, provide me with urgency about my need for you amid comfort and ease.  Lead me into periods of fasting that align my heart with yours and make room for more of you in my life.  May your work in me result in spiritual blessings that exceed what I could ask or think both here and with you for eternity.

For Such A Time As This: How Her Faith Conquered Conspiracy

1. What is Spiritual Fasting?

C.B. Bass provides this explanation,

“Spiritual fasting entails setting aside activities as well as reducing the intake of food and replacing these activities with the exercise of prayer and preoccupation with spiritual concerns.”

2. Why Fast

We fast as a means to prepare our mind, body, and soul to follow Christ's example, growing deeper in our love for God and our neighbors.

3. How To Fast

One way to fast is to begin after lunch and end the fast at the evening meal on the following day.  This practice allows enough time for the absence of food to remind us of our need for the Father's grace, power, and presence.

4. Fasting Should Be Free From Fakery

When we turn fasting into spiritual window dressing, all of the power of God vanishes from our efforts.

5. The Father Rewards Faithful Fasting

But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:17-18)

Photo by Mohammad Metri on Unsplash