FASTING TO FEED ON GOD’S WORD
Moses communed with the Lord for 40 days, during which time he fasted from food and water, having no need of them. For the Lord was his food and drink. Certainly, this was a miracle. For although one might fast from food for 40 days and live, no one can fast from water for that long and survive. Yet, Moses’ fast was not accomplished by his own strength, but by the Lord’s. And the miracle of Moses’ fast, was a sign, pointing to the reliability of Moses’ testimony that the law had been given him by God.
Yet, we cannot read of Moses’ fast without thinking of Christ’s, who also fasted for 40 days. Moses’ fast marked the giving of the covenant of law, but Christ’s fast marked the beginning of His public ministry and covenant of grace. When the devil tempted Jesus, He responded with the words first given to Moses, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4; Deut. 8:3). And surely this Word was sufficient for both.
PRAYER: Dear Father, help us to remember that You made us and designed us so that just as we need food and drink for our bodies, so we also need Your Word for our souls. We live by Your Word. Fill us with understanding today. In Jesus’ name, amen.