Why do we fast as disciples of Jesus? Because our souls feast on the glory of God. Fasting is an external expression of an internal reality. When we fast for a meal or a day or a week, we remind ourselves that more than our stomachs long for the pleasure of food, our souls long for the presence of God. We are satisfied in Him and by Him in a way that nothing in this world can compare to – not even the basic daily necessity of food. Fasting makes sense as a discipline in the Christian life only if it is connected with desire for Christ. When we fast, we say, “More than we want our hunger to cease, we want your Kingdom to come!”
— David Platt (b. 1978), Pastor und Autor
Topics: Prayer & Silence, Discipleship, God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit
Occasions: For Reflection
David Platt
David Platt (* 1978) ist ein US-amerikanischer baptistischer Theologe, Pastor und Autor, der die McLean Bible Church leitet und zuvor Präsident des International Mission Board war. Bekannt wurde er vor allem durch sein Buch „Radical“, in dem er für weltweite Mission eintritt und ein bequemes, materialistisches Wohlstandschristentum scharf kritisiert. Während er in den USA durch innergemeindliche Konflikte und politische Polarisierung in die Kritik geriet, fordert er Bibelleser heute zu einer schriftorientierten, opferbereiten Nachfolge Jesu heraus.
All quotes by David Platt (63)
When we pray, the circumstances often remain the same, but we become different.
Oswald Chambers
Prayer does not change God, but the one who prays.
Søren Kierkegaard
Courage is fear that has said its prayers.
Corrie ten Boom
To pray is to draw breath from God.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Prayer does not equip us for greater works – prayer is the greater work.
Oswald Chambers
God has his ear at your heart.
Augustine of Hippo
Prayers are tools not for doing or getting, but for being and becoming.
Eugene Peterson