Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish. – Esther 4:16
The season of Lent is set aside for us to spend intentional time with God. Focusing on our faith strengthens us for the days ahead. Often, the practice of fasting is used during the time of Lent. It is the practice of setting aside one thing to be filled with God’s word and connect with God in prayer. I want to encourage you to consider a fast this season of Lent. It is a valuable tool as we seek to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. God wants to draw close to us; let us take time to draw near to God.
Perhaps one of the best examples of fasting takes place in the Book of Esther. The Book of Esther tells the story of a plot against the Jewish people by one of the advisors to the king. Mordecai discovered the plot and sent word to Queen Esther. Esther was raised by Mordecai and wanted nothing more than to help her people. However, she feared for her life if she approached the King uninvited. She reluctantly agreed to put her own life at risk for the sake of her people.
When Esther committed to approaching the King with the news of this plot, she asked that the Jews and her attendants fast in preparation for going before the King. Esther took time to draw close to God so that she could be strengthened for “such a time as this.” Strengthened by her time fasting and praying, she approached King Xerxes and began the work to save her people and herself.
Fasting is a tool people of faith have used for thousands of years. It sets aside things that distract us and allows us to focus on God. We do this to draw close to God and to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter. Fasting does not have to be 40 days without food and water. Fasting can be as simple as forgoing lunch, giving up a significant part of your diet (coffee, soda, chocolate), or turning off social media and electronics for a while. Fasting is not simply skipping out on food or drink; it is also intentional about using the time we would have spent eating to focus on our faith.
Throughout the Bible, great stories of faith are accompanied by acts of fasting. Let us look to their example this season of Lent. The most important thing is not what we eat or drink but how we devote our time to fall deeper in love with our God who first loved us.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
