A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

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A Compe l l i ng Tes t imony

prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and prosperous, with her cities around her, and the South and the lowland were inhabited?” (cf. Matt. 6.18).

d. We fast in order to chasten and humble our souls (“afflict ourselves”) in order to position ourselves before him for his will.

(1) Ps. 69.10 – When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach.

(2) Lev. 16.29 – And it shall be a statute to you forever that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict yourselves and shall do no work, either the native or the stranger who sojourns among you. (3) Lev. 16.31 – It is a Sabbath of solemn rest to you, and you shall afflict yourselves; it is a statute forever.

B. The Personal Dimensions: we fast individually and corporately for similar reasons.

1. A number of valid occasions exist for fasting before the Lord.

a. On the heels of the judgments of God against iniquity, Joel 1.14; Joel 2.12

b. In the wake of public calamities and difficulties, 2 Sam. 1.12

c. During this age when the Messiah is not present with the Church during the period of “already/not yet,” Luke 5.33-35 – And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the