Fasting

Fasting, as depicted in the Bible, is a spiritual discipline involving abstaining from food and sometimes drink, to seek a deeper connection with God, express repentance, or seek divine intervention. It is a practice that appears throughout both the Old and New Testaments, serving various purposes and reflecting a heart posture of humility and dependence on God.

In the Old Testament, fasting is often associated with mourning, repentance, and seeking God's favor. One of the earliest mentions is in the context of the Day of Atonement, where the Israelites were commanded to "afflict their souls" (Leviticus 16:29-31), which has traditionally been understood to include fasting. The prophet Joel calls for a fast as a response to impending judgment, urging the people to "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning" (Joel 2:12).

Fasting is also seen in the lives of key biblical figures. Moses fasted for forty days and nights on Mount Sinai as he received the Law from God (Exodus 34:28). King David fasted as an expression of repentance and intercession (2 Samuel 12:16-23). Esther called for a fast among the Jews as they faced potential annihilation, seeking God's protection and favor (Esther 4:16).

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness, preparing for His public ministry and resisting the temptations of Satan (Matthew 4:1-2). He taught about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and humility, instructing His followers not to fast for outward show but in secret, where "your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:16-18).

The early church also practiced fasting, often in conjunction with prayer, as seen in the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas for missionary work (Acts 13:2-3). Fasting is portrayed as a means of seeking God's guidance and empowerment for ministry.

Sacred Assembly

A sacred assembly, or solemn assembly, is a gathering of God's people for worship, repentance, and renewal of covenantal commitment. It is a time set apart for communal reflection, prayer, and seeking God's presence and favor. Sacred assemblies are often called in times of crisis, celebration, or significant spiritual renewal.

In the Old Testament, sacred assemblies were integral to the religious life of Israel. They were held during major festivals such as Passover, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23). These gatherings were times of communal worship, sacrifice, and remembrance of God's mighty acts and covenantal promises.

The prophet Joel calls for a sacred assembly in response to a locust plague and impending judgment, urging the people to "blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly" (Joel 2:15). This call to gather underscores the communal nature of repentance and the collective seeking of God's mercy and intervention.

In the New Testament, while the term "sacred assembly" is not explicitly used, the concept is evident in the gatherings of the early church. The believers regularly met for prayer, teaching, breaking of bread, and fellowship (Acts 2:42-47). These gatherings were marked by a sense of unity, devotion, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Sacred assemblies continue to hold significance in the life of the church today, often observed in times of revival, special prayer meetings, or corporate worship events. They serve as opportunities for believers to come together in unity, seeking God's guidance, renewal, and empowerment for the mission of the church.