THE FAST OF THE LORD

“Then the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying, 9 ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother. 10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother.”’”

Zechariah 7:8-10

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As a ministry of prophets, prophetic people and intercessors, many people ask how to fast, when to fast, and many other fasting questions.

Since we are on a corporate fast, let us look and see what type of fast the LORD will accept.

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Zechariah 7 is an excellent place to start. ‍

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The people came to the prophet to ask if they should continue to fast as they were taught according to the law of Moses. Remember, GOD gave them this law. Moses did not invent it.

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Nevertheless, the LORD of HOSTS makes this shocking comment in verses 4-5. HE says: “When you fasted and mourned…during those 70 years, did you really fast for ME–for ME?”

As in, really GOD? HE watched them for 70 years waste their time, knowing they did it incorrectly. They did it incorrectly because they missed the HOLY SPIRIT of the Law, and so satan gave the spirit of religion as a substitute.

The LORD of HOSTS does not leave us guessing. HE tells us the type of fast HE will accept.

“Then the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying, 9 ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts:

“Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother. 10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother.”’”

Zechariah 7:8-10‍

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GOD is saying that the condition of our heart is more important to HIM than the emptiness of our bellies. How do we treat our fellow human being? When was the last time we cared for the widow, orphan, foster care child, or victim of sex slavery? When was the last time we prayed for them and tried to be the solution to their needs?

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That is the kind of fast HE is looking for…a heart that loves and therefore acts selflessly.

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Does this mean not to abstain from food?

No. Not at all!

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We see all throughout Scripture that we as mortals need to fast.

• Fasting causes us to experience a deeper connection with the Risen CHRIST (see Mark 2:18-22).
• Fasting humbles our flesh and puts us in receiving mode for whatever GOD wants to give us (see Daniel 10:2-3, 10-13).
• It causes us to win impossible victories (see Esther 4:16-17, Ezra 8:21-23).
• It gives us favor to accomplish the will of GOD on the earth (see Nehemiah 1:4).

Back to the HOLY SPIRIT of the Law.

The LORD wants us to fast, but fast the right way. Under the new covenant, we have the privilege of relationship, not just laws. When the LORD invites us into a corporate fast, we are to ask HIM what food(s) and liquid(s) HE wants us to give up for a season. Whatever HE says, HE will give the grace to do.  

Fasting without prayer is starving. In a corporate fast, corporate prayer is necessary. Hence the reason we pray together regularly during a corporate fast.

GOD news on fasting.

Once we remove the religious spirit off fasting, it becomes a joy. Everyone can fast. It is a sacrifice unto the LORD. A sacrifice of HIS choosing.

Today, let us ask the LORD to show each of us the types of foods/liquids HE wants us to abstain from for this month of fasting. Then ask the LORD to search our hearts to see if the sacrifice HE is looking for is within it.

Amen

*All Scriptures are in the New King James Version of the Bible.

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