Bucer, Lent, and Self-Control
Charles Brown
And so it is anti-Christian to prescribe fasting for Christians as something per se necessary for salvation. For the Lord and the apostles, although they condemned making a ceremony out of fasting, nevertheless left its observance free for Christians; just as fasting cannot be piously accomplished unless it is undertaken with a willing spirit.
However, since the Lord himself and his apostles so highly recommended fasting to the churches, certainly they who observe no fasting at all cannot glory in the spirit and sovereignty of Christ. It is necessary, therefore, for those who wish to see the Kingdom of Christ solidly restored to retrieve the discipline of fasting, at least on some days of the year.
Elsewhere in this chapter, Bucer squarely condemns the Roman practice of Lent, and he encourages Christians to choose other days of the year on which to fast. But his main point, as I quoted above, is that fasting is necessary for the strengthening of Christ’s Kingdom. I was a little surprised by Bucer’s words here, but I’m starting to think that he’s absolutely right.
Our King knows that his subjects struggle with self-control. He knows our propensity toward self-indulgence. So, he has wisely given us this sacred exercise of fasting, to help us learn control, discipline, and limitation. Why don’t we avail ourselves of it very often? (Or, at least, why don’t I avail myself of it very often?) Probably because of our self-indulgence! Some degree of self-control is needed just to begin a fast, and even more is needed to complete it.
My sense is that the Reformed churches today are generally weak in this area. I have to think that Bucer would rebuke us. Maybe the leaders of the RPCNA need to explore this idea collectively. Maybe our sessions, presbyteries, and synod need to promote fasting for the sake of the Kingdom.
The Free Reformed Churches just had a denominational fast. They prayed for repentance and reformation.
I would suggest Jerold Lewis’s sermon on sermon audio called Preparation for Rain. It is AWESOME.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/acceptemail.asp?cmd=play&data=ID%3D10106173820%26sourceID%3Dfrcgr
Copy and Paste for the sermon that I mentioned.
I would love to hear a sermon preached on the topic and direction given by my session.
I can honestly say that for me, fasting rarely (if ever) comes to mind. I suppose that since this is the case, my ignorance shows. All the more, I believe that proactive steps taken by the RPCNA would help square away laymen like myself regarding fasting.
About 20 years ago, the RPCNA determined that it needed to put a lot more prayer into its Synod meeting schedule. One night of Synod was set aside for prayer, along with prayer times throughout the day. On the day of the longer prayer session, Synod delegates were encouraged to fast–though of course there was no public show of it.
That Synod emphasis on prayer has continued, and has been a tremendous blessing. But I don’t recall an organized effort to encourage fasting. Perhaps it is time for it to be encouraged again. The more it is done by leaders, of course, the more emphasis will be given it in congregations.
I have a different theory about Jesus’ teaching on fasting. Notice that it is linked to giving to the poor and to prayer in Matthew’s gospel. In the ancient world most of your income would go toward the purchase of food (unlike modern Americans, who spend an average of 10-20% of their income on food). Fasting two days a week, which was the practice of the Jews and of early Christians (at least according to the Didache), would have meant a substantial savings – which could then be turned around and given to the poor. Giving was literally till it hurt. Fasting also facilitates prayer – or at least brings to the fore the bad habits of thought and life that inhibit prayer! (People tend to get really grumpy when fasting – is this fasting’s problem or their own?)
RP Synod used to have a committee which chose topics and picked occasions for fasting. I believe it morphed into the signs of the times committee. Can’t recall details.
TOny