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Editors note: These are detailed devotional times I have had with the Lord that I wanted to share with the readers. They will be posted on those days I have detailed devotional times. Today's devotional time was done before 10:52 a.m.

Quiet Times for Saturday, February 21, 04
(Psalm 51, Proverbs 21, Mark 2:18-20)

Hi everyone :)

May you know the Lord Jesus who wants you to be close to Him! Amen!

^”Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, "How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?" Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast." (Mark 2:18-20, NIV)

Observations:

I looked at words or phrases that were repeated!

1. Disciples

2. Fasting

Observations:

I asked myself who are the disciples mentioned here?

There are 3 types of disciples mentioned:

John’s disciples
Disciples of the Pharisees
Disciples of Jesus

I learned that the disciples of John and the Pharisees were doing something that the disciples of Jesus were not. This raised eyebrows among the people. John’s disciples and disciples of the Pharisees were fasting while the disciples of Jesus were not! The people had an issue with it.

Observations/Interpretations:

I asked myself the significance of fasting?

What came to my mind is that fasting was done usually to get close to God. When people fasted, it was to seek God wholeheartedly and have their mind on God alone. Other times, fasting also included simultaneous mourning for a particular situation that was going to occur. (For example: When Esther asked the Jewish people to fast and pray)

When the people asked Jesus why his disciples were not fasting Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.”

This statement of Jesus became so significant to me because as I thought along the lines of fasting being done to get closer to God, Jesus was telling the people that his disciples were already close to Him. Previously, I learned that Jesus claimed to be God by His actions. Therefore, it is as if there was no need for them to fast at that time.

Jesus claimed to be the bridegroom and let the people know his disciples were his guests enjoying His favor. This was a time for them to be jolly and celebrating for they have the bridegroom with them.

Jesus also emphasizes there will come a time when the bridegroom will be taken away from them and on that day they will fast.

How true that is because Jesus was taken away from them in the Garden of Gethsemane. The disciples did mourn. As I thought about Jesus’ last statement, it reminded me of the movie that is about to be released on Feb 25, Ash Wednesday called “The Passion of the Christ”.

It gives a vivid description of what Jesus went through for you and me in the last 12 hours when He was taken away from the disciples at the Garden of Gethsemane. You should try to go watch it.

Cornerstone College Ministry which meets in Bellefield Church in Oakland, will be sponsoring a trip to go see ‘The Passion of the Christ’ on Wed, Feb 25 right after their large group fellowship meeting that starts at 8:30 p.m. If you are interested in going, tickets can be bought in advance for $4.00. Those interested in going will be meeting at 9:30 p.m in front of the church.

Implications:

I ask you now dear friend, when do you fast?

Dear friend, among students fasting does not seem to be a deliberate thing. If anything students go without eating if they run out of blocks, dining dollars, campus funds, etc. This is because of not having the funds that they go without eating. This is not the same thing as fasting.

Fasting can bring us closer to the Lord as we focus on the Lord during that time that we would normally use for eating. This can be a wonderful thing as we turn that time into prayer. I believe the Lord will show us things we did not know as we spend in that time!

May you find a time to fast to bring you closer to the Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!

“For Anticipating Savior’s Truth” (F.A.S.T)/ ”When Do You Fast?”

Prayer:

I thank you so much Jesus for teaching me about fasting. I want to thank you for loving us so much that you went to the cross to die for our sin. Thank you for coming back to life to save us as we seek you! Oh Lord, please help us to live for you and serve you the days of our lives. I thank you so much for the opportunity! In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

Love in Christ, Ramesh