Around the world this morning billions of people are beginning a grueling 30-day spiritual exercise: abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. The aim of such a fast is to display one’s devotion to God, perhaps earning merit in his sight, and to proclaim to one’s-self that indeed you are a Muslim (one submitted to God).
During these intense days of spiritual activity may our walk with Christ be all more rich. Lest we forget, we pray not 5 times a day but without ceasing in constant communion. Lest we forget, we pray not towards a location on earth but to our Father in heaven who is so merciful to hear us. Lest we forget, we seek not our own merit in prayer but rest upon the perfect merit of Christ that comes through his death and resurrection. Lest we forget, we fast not to be seen by others but to because the Bridegroom has gone and we await his return - this is not our home!
And yet, we have the very Holy Spirit of God in our hearts and in our midst. May He be pleased to fill us afresh these days with a spirit of intercession, with a gladness in the greatness of Jesus Christ, and with a hope that cannot be broken...come pain, hardship, persecution, even death. Our God is Greater, Jesus is Lord!
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? ... (Nothing can) separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!" (Rom. 8:21-32,39)
