Fasting

Fasting, a spiritual discipline observed throughout the Bible, is the voluntary abstention from food, and sometimes drink, for a specified period. It is a practice that signifies humility, repentance, and a deep yearning for spiritual growth and divine intervention. In the Old Testament, fasting is often associated with mourning, repentance, and seeking God's favor. For instance, in the Book of Esther, Queen Esther calls for a fast among the Jews as they face potential annihilation: "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. I and my attendants will fast as you do" (Esther 4:16).

The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is another significant instance of fasting in the Old Testament, where the Israelites were commanded to "afflict their souls" (Leviticus 16:29-31), which is traditionally understood to include fasting. This day was set aside for national repentance and atonement for sins.

In the New Testament, fasting continues to hold spiritual significance. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:2). He 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). Instead, Jesus instructed His followers to fast in secret, with the assurance that "your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:18).

Fasting is also seen in the early church as a means of seeking God's guidance and empowerment. In Acts 13:2-3 , the church at Antioch fasted and prayed before sending out Barnabas and Saul (Paul) on their missionary journey. This practice underscores the belief that fasting, coupled with prayer, can lead to divine revelation and direction.

Sacrifice

Sacrifice in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that involves offering something valuable to God as an act of worship, atonement, or thanksgiving. In the Old Testament, the sacrificial system was central to the religious life of Israel. It was instituted by God as a means for His people to atone for their sins and maintain a covenant relationship with Him. The Book of Leviticus outlines various types of sacrifices, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings (Leviticus 1-7).

The sacrificial system pointed to the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. The shedding of blood was a critical component, as stated in Leviticus 17:11 : "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life."

In the New Testament, the concept of sacrifice reaches its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, whose death on the cross atones for the sins of humanity once and for all. The Book of Hebrews elaborates on this, stating, "But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God" (Hebrews 10:12). This act of sacrifice is seen as the culmination of God's redemptive plan, rendering the old sacrificial system obsolete.

Believers are called to respond to Christ's sacrifice by offering themselves as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1), dedicating their lives to God in service and obedience. This spiritual act of worship reflects a life transformed by the grace of God, where the believer's actions and attitudes are aligned with His will.

Fasting and sacrifice, while distinct practices, both serve as expressions of devotion and submission to God. They remind believers of the need for humility, repentance, and a heart fully surrendered to the Lord.