Poetry

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"When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, 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 men 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)


Islam is built on five pillars among which is fasting in the month of Ramadan
The Fast is also mentioned as one of the requirements for entry to Paradise—
This is not a principle in the Kingdom of Heaven—
As citizens of Heaven we fast because we LOVE God and
Not because it will help us to get to Heaven

Ironically, during the month of Ramadan more food is consumed
Than at any other time of the year in the Muslim world—
This reality reveals the true atmosphere of the fast
We do not fast so that we can eat more...

The general Christian world is no better where fasting has turned for many
From a secret act to a nearly non-existent one—
Christians need to fast for the right reasons—
Fasting is not a ticket to Heaven
Our good deeds cannot get us to Heaven

In the Bible, when they fasted the money they would have spent on food
They gave to the hungry—to both believers and non-believers, without asking for a reward
They desired to live by the Spirit of God and not their stomachs...
No one should be compelled to fast either privately or publicly,
For this is what religious people will do—
However, we are citizens of Heaven


"Your fasting ends in quarrelling and strife... Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter - when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard" (Isaiah 58:4-8).


Mark Frank

Copyright 2010

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