Another Day of Decrease -Fast Artificial Light
The sun rising out our son's window in Park City, Utah.
The recommended fast for this day was to fast from artificial light. My husband and I got into a discussion as to whether candles were artificial light. I felt candles are man made and he felt they are fueled from fire, thus not artificial. Either way, he felt it was not a safe fast for two old people who get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.
One of the verses for this day was John 3:29
The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom awaits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy in mine, and now it is complete.
Y'all. For some reason I have read this verse over and over. It's taking me to a self check of "Do I genuinely rejoice in the successes of others? Am I happy for the assignments God has called them to?"
Oooo, I remember the weekend of our daughter's wedding. There was a bridesmaid who had a meltdown at the bridesmaid's breakfast. All she could fixate upon was the fact she wasn't dating anyone. It was a joy robber.
It's much more life giving to rejoice when others rejoice!
The study in 40 Days of Decrease shows how John knew his purpose, his calling in life and was refusing to compete with Jesus. Ms Chole says, "Instead of collecting attention, John directed attention back to the Bridegroom."
Yet, when John was in prison Matthew 11:3 shows John questions if Jesus is really the Messiah. Easily understood, because I'm sure he was thinking Jesus would get him off of this course leading to his beheading. Jesus' actions were not matching John's expectations. I've been there and had that questioning faith as well.
So, I'm back pondering the words of the recommended fast...fast artificial light. Jesus is the Light of World. Any other substitutes as our joy providers is artificial. It may satisfy us for a season, but not for eternity. ONLY JESUS.
The Song
"Only Jesus" Casting Crowns
