Fasting

Fasting, a spiritual discipline found throughout the Bible, involves abstaining from food and sometimes drink for a period of time. It is often associated with prayer, repentance, and seeking God's guidance. In the Old Testament, fasting is frequently linked to mourning, repentance, and supplication before God. For instance, in the Book of Joel, the prophet calls for a fast as a means of returning to the Lord: "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning" (Joel 2:12).

Fasting is also seen in the context of national repentance and seeking divine intervention. In the Book of Esther, Queen Esther calls for a fast among the Jews as they face extermination: "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" (Esther 4:16). This act of fasting is a demonstration of humility and dependence on God for deliverance.

In the New Testament, fasting continues to be a significant practice. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:2). He also taught about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and humility: "When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward" (Matthew 6:16).

The early church also practiced fasting as a means of seeking God's will and empowerment. In Acts 13:2-3, the church in Antioch fasted and prayed before sending out Barnabas and Saul (Paul) on their missionary journey: "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 laid their hands on them and sent them off" .

Sackcloth

Sackcloth, a coarse material usually made from goat's hair, is traditionally worn as a sign of mourning, repentance, and humility before God. In the Bible, wearing sackcloth is often accompanied by fasting and is a physical expression of inner contrition and sorrow.

In the Old Testament, sackcloth is frequently associated with mourning and repentance. For example, when King David mourned the death of Abner, he commanded Joab and all the people with him to tear their clothes and wear sackcloth (2 Samuel 3:31). Similarly, when the people of Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah, they proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them (Jonah 3:5).

Sackcloth is also used in times of national crisis or impending judgment. In the Book of Daniel, the prophet Daniel turns to God in prayer and supplication, wearing sackcloth and ashes as he confesses the sins of Israel: "So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes" (Daniel 9:3).

In the New Testament, sackcloth continues to symbolize repentance and humility. In the Book of Revelation, the two witnesses prophesy while clothed in sackcloth, signifying their message of repentance and the seriousness of their mission (Revelation 11:3).

Fasting and sackcloth together represent a profound expression of humility and repentance, a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. These practices underscore the biblical theme of seeking God's mercy and favor through sincere and heartfelt devotion.