Adam and Eve
The first people to fast in the Bible are Adam and Eve. A story in Genesis shows them reflecting upon their situation and seeking God’s direction and favour over their lives. It is likely to be the first recorded fast in the Bible. After they had eaten the fruit, they realized they had broken their relationship with God and mourned their sin, not eating in a spirit of repentance.
God acknowledged their sorrow and repented of his decision to cast them out of the Garden of Eden. Consequently, the austere period of fasting served as a way to build upon their relationship with God and start on the path of seeking for wisdom and direction.
Notably, Adam and Eve were never commanded to fast in the Bible; yet, their fast is recognized as a sign of their sorrow and repentance. This type of fast is common among Christians today and is done as a sign of repentance, a hope for guidance and forgive from God.
Moses
Moses was the first prophet in the Bible and is renowned for fasting for 40 days in Mount Sinai. His fast was undertaken to prepare himself to receive the Ten Commandments from God. The duration of Moses’ fast likely symbolises the Israelites time in slavery in Egypt, as well as to signify his closeness with God.
Together with the Ten Commandments, God gifted Moses a code of laws throughout the course of his fast, comprising of dietary laws, Sabbath observance and moral decrees. Among other things, the code also prohibited non-sanctified foods and focused on humbleness as well as Gods’ kingdom over man.
Moses’ fast and humility in the eyes of God, demonstrates the importance of fasting. It showcases fasting as an act to prepare oneself to receive God’s pertinent spiritual and moral teachings. Even more so, it portrays fasting not as a punishment, but rather a path to come closer to God.
Anna
Anna is one of the overlooked female characters in the Bible and yet set up a faithful example to Christians. She was a Prophetess and had followed a strict schedule of fasting and prayer, beseeching God to provide a Baby John the Baptist, a forerunner to Jesus Christ. She remained in the temple for nine months, praying day and night for a son.
While her faith was clear and her good works were many, her immediate prayers were not answered. It was only after 20 years of fasting and prayers that God answered her and hers with a son. Her story reminds us that obedience and perseverance in fasting and prayers will bring about answers for us no matter how long it takes.
Anna serves as a beacon of hope and of faith even to today. That sometimes, no matter how long we wait, God will always answer our prayers.
Daniel
Daniel fasted in the Bible twice; once for 21 days and once for three weeks. The first fast was done to plead for God’s mercy and seek answers to his question. In the second fast, Daniel fasted as a sign of spiritual discipline and as a way to draw close to God.
Daniel also indicated in the fast something far greater. He was a picture of self-control. He was confident that God would give him power and a knowledge to interpret the dreams of king Nebuchadnezzar. His self-discipline was purely driven by the power of fasting with simple intentions to serve and honor God.
Christians today can draw lessons from Daniel on fasting for self-control and for drawing closer to God. It is an invitation to live in faith and humility, trusting in God for provision and help.
John
John the Baptist went through a period of intense fasting to prepare for his relationship with Jesus. His fast was set at 40 days. During this period, John ate no food and drank no wine. He only ate locusts and honey.
John’s period of fasting subsequently set the stage for Jesus’s ministry and began a shift in the relationship between the Jewish people and Jesus. It was an encounter of baptism and repentance, resulting in a spiritual awakening and preparation for Jesus as the Son of God.
It is believed that John’s fast in the Bible sheds light on the spiritual journey Jesus used to prepare himself for his ministry. It was a journey of humility, prayer and trust in God. Christians of today can learn from this journey and know that trusting in God leads to great blessings.
Jesus
Jesus Christ is believed to have fasted for 40 days in the desert. During this period he was tempted by the devil three times before he started his ministry. As the son of man, Jesus was successful in conquering evil temptations and was blessed with strength from the Father due to his devotion and fasting in the desert.
Jesus’ fast in the Bible serves as a reminder that fasting can help us gain strength and resist spiritual attacks. It helps us to be brave when facing obstacles in our spiritual life and reminds us that God never leaves us even in times of weakness.
Fasting can open us up to be filled with God’s spirit and gives us the courage to move forward with boldness and confidence. This is a message of encouragement and hope, that no matter how tough life might be, we can always gain peace and strength through devoted fasting.
The Disciples
The disciples of Jesus, including Peter and Paul also fasted in the Bible. Acts 13:2-3 states, “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
The disciples fasted as they recognized the importance of this time and the significance of the task ahead of them. They fasted as a sign of their unwavering faith that God was with them on their mission. This is another demonstration of faith and humility.
Today, the disciples’ fast reminds us of God’s sovereignty and that He is always with us. It is an invitation for us to allow the Holy Spirit to guide are mission and uncover Godly, divine purpose.
Conclusion
From Adam and Eve, to the disciples of Jesus, fasting in the Bible demonstrates the power of relying on God and letting Him guide our spiritual and moral journey. The examples set by those who fasted in the Bible shows us that fasting is not meant to be a punishment, but an act of devotion and humility to come closer to God.
Furthermore, fasting is to be done in right spirit. It is not a magic pill but rather a commitment to trust in God’s direction and provision. The responses of those who fasted in the Bible show us that dedicated fasting will result in God’s blessing.
