04/12/2022 - THE FRIENDS OF THE WEDDINGS

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Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. Matthew 9.15

Among the many lessons of the above verse, which are precious to us and lead us to understand how to enjoy the victorious life in Christ, we should pay attention to what Jesus said about the friends of the wedding. We are the reason why for the coming of the King of kings into the world, for God wanted to unite us to Him once again, and this could only be done by the One who is righteous, pure and holy (John 17.1-3). We are the friends of the wedding of the Lamb!

We must serve God with joy, so we cannot be downcast when we fast. Besides, since fasting is between us and God, we must never seek to receive praise for it. Jesus had talked about this: Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. (Matthew 6.16). There is a reward for fasting!

When answering the disciples of John Baptist, the Master spoke wisely to them about their sad countenance. Now, if they were in consecration, they needed revelation to open their understanding. When we are in fellowship with God, we must not seek the approval of people who seek to consecrate themselves in order to better serve the Lord. It is clear that seeking any godly comment from anyone is somewhat insignificant, because the reward will come from Heaven.

The consecration that pleases God is a solemn act, done in secret; thus, we will be rewarded (Matthew 6.6). We don’t have to show suffering in doing God’s work; it must be done with satisfaction. John’s disciples and the Pharisees did not have the Bridegroom with them, but a good teaching that still needed to be completed. Like these men, many who claim to be members of the Body of Christ do not know the value of fasting. Learning from Christ is the secret to being blessed.

Fasting is not intended to obtain blessings of any kind, nor is it the door to convince God to give us what we need. In fact, its goal is to break the flesh – the natural – that keeps us from living at the highest level. If you are distant from the Father and want to draw closer to Him to overcome your struggles, you will need to meditate more in the Word about fasting. Besides freeing yourself in order to be used, you will have faith increased (Romans 10.17).

Fasting will help you to get rid of the lusts of the flesh and act according to the Word. As you do this, prepare the matters that you will battle over in your time of dedication to God, knowing that even though Heaven and Earth will pass away, the Word will never pass away (Mark 13.31). The revelation given by God will be your focus. The Bible declares that everyone must render obedience to the Lord.

The friends of the wedding must never be led astray by the lies of the devil, but believe from the heart – in the promises of the Most High. This is not the time to fast for everything; just get right to keep the ordinances of the Lord. Then you will see that God does not forget His people. After all, we are the friends of the wedding!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares