Daily Reading: Acts 13
One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:2
Luke starts this chapter by giving us a picture of the leaders of the church in Antioch––A wonderful cross-cultural, multi-racial community of leaders. Immediately following this listing of the leaders he lets us know that they were “worshiping the Lord and fasting.” In the Preaching the Word Commentary, Kent Hughes says, “Fasting is always a mark of deep spiritual concern, indicating that a person is willing to set aside the normal demands of life in order to concentrate for a time on what God wants.” From the very beginning of the church our leaders have realized that to hear the voice of God takes discipline and commitment. Am I willing to fast and pray––set aside the normal demands of life––so that I can connect more deeply with the heart of God?
Within the rise of Methodism, John Wesley emphasized fasting as one of the means of grace, admonishing his pastors to fast at least two days a week and for the laity to fast one day. Wesley was not trying to create legalism, but he understood that when the disciple sets aside something (food) and uses that extra time to center her focus on God that the door is opened to the disciple to receive more of God’s grace.
On this Saturday before Ash Wednesday I am blessed to read this verse, “as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting.” It encourages me to commit to fast during this upcoming lenten season. Not as a legalistic enterprise, but as an opportunity to realign my heart and soul on the true provider of my strength and ability, Jesus Christ.
Lord, Lead me to you and to no other as the center of my heart and focus. Amen.
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