Quiet Time Coaching Episode 485 | New Thing Series — Part 40 | “Esther’s Fasting” | Malcolm Cox

Thames Valley Churches of Christ

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 485 | New Thing Series — Part 40 | “Esther’s Fasting” | Malcolm Cox

Introduction

A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'

We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Esther. Today we explore Esther’s fasting.

“In every province, wherever the king’s command and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and most of them lay in sackcloth and ashes.” (Esther 4:3 NRSV)

“Then Esther said in reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.” Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.” (Esther 4:15-17 NRSV)

Esther’s Fasting

• Esther asks others to fast for her.
• She also chooses to fast. She has her own conviction.
• The fast is of an unusual duration. Most fasts lasted for one day, and might be restricted to daylight hours only. She decides to fast for three sets of 24 hours.
• She persuades others to join her in the fast.
• She fasts even though the outcome is uncertain. She will fast whether she lives or dies.

For Reflection

How do you feel about fasting? It is not my favourite thing to do, I have to say. But I suppose we should ask ourselves, if we are asking God to do a new thing — something miraculous and divine — does it not seem right that fasting should play a part? Fasting is not something to be undertaken casually. It requires a purpose and a proper motivation.

““When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18 NIV11)

Why not take some time today to pray to God about how you feel about fasting? Would it be a good idea to fast today, or plan for a fast in the future?

Conclusion

I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

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"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

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