“…And the fast of the … months will become joy, gladness, and cheerful feasts…”
John’s disciples asked Jesus one day why His disciples did not fast. In essence Jesus’ answer was that while He was with them the feast was at hand – it’s ludicrous to fast when a feast is at hand. But Jesus knew that He was going to His father and that this temporary season of feasting would end for his disciples and that yes – then, they would fast.
We fast, at least in part in order to poignantly remind ourselves that the feast we long for is not here yet. Remember all the many verses in the Bible that speak of a longing, waiting, and looking expectantly for “the day?” Here are a few …
Matthew 24:14 “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.“
Luke 2:38 “At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
John 14:3 “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”
1 Corinthians 1:7 “so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,”
2 Timothy 4:18 “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Titus 2:13 “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,”
Hebrews 9:28 “so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.”
Hebrews 13:14 “For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.”
1 Peter 4:13 “but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.”
2 Peter 3:12 “looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God…“
Jude 21 “keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.”
Revelations 22:20 “He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
There is a day-a day called “The day of the Lord” that will once and for all put an end to fasting. Instead, that day will bring about an unending, undiminishing, ever increasing, exceedingly abundant joy, gladness and cheerful feasts in the presence of Lord surrounded by the light of his glory.
Thank you father for the fore tastes of the full banquet of glory you have in store for me. Thank you for the joy and gladness I have now as I anticipate the day of the Lord; and Jesus, please come – come quickly and bring us into your banquet hall for the cheerful feast of joy and gladness in the light of your presence.
Hallelujah. Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus. Amen.
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