Thursday, March 20 The hand of our God was over us, and he rescued us from the hand of the enemy.​—Ezra 8:31.

[Áine]

 

Thursday, March 20

The hand of our God was over us, and he rescued us from the hand of the enemy.—Ezra 8:31.

 

Ezra had seen how Jehovah supported His people in times of test. Years earlier, in 484 B.C.E., Ezra was likely living in Babylon when King Ahasuerus issued a decree to exterminate the Jews throughout the Persian Empire. (Esther 3:7, 13-15) Ezra’s life was in danger! In response to this threat, the Jews “in every province” fasted and mourned, no doubt turning to Jehovah in prayer for guidance. (Esther 4:3) Imagine how Ezra and his fellow Jews felt when the tables were turned on those who had plotted to destroy the Jews! (Esther 9:1, 2) What Ezra experienced during those challenging times may have prepared him for future tests and very likely strengthened his confidence in Jehovah’s ability to protect His people. w23.11 17 ¶12-13

 

[daydream]

GPT

Fasting in ancient Israel was primarily a spiritual practice, often associated with repentance, mourning, and seeking divine guidance. It was viewed as a means of humbling oneself before God, expressing sincerity, and demonstrating devotion. Beyond the religious context, it may have inadvertently provided some health benefits, such as detoxification. Fasting was frequently undertaken during times of national crisis, personal distress, or in preparation for religious events. The practice emphasized a reliance on God and a detachment from worldly concerns. Some texts also indicate fasting was associated with seeking forgiveness and experiencing spiritual renewal.

 

Under the law covenant, Israelites had only one mandatory fasting rite every year that is on Atonement Day. (Leviticus 16:29-31; Psalm 35:13) But under the new convenant, God's people do not have to fast. However it is good to meditate on the principles behind the fasting requirement. Perhaps it is the fast pace of life now that makes fasting a burdensome practice and there are many benefits to abstaining from food for a period of time. At this time of year where Muslims all over the world are refraining from food and water  from sunrise to sunset, it would be good to be conscious of their feelings and try not to eat or drink in front of them. One young man who is not a Muslim was slapped a few times by a old Muslim man in an Islamic garb out in the mall recently. 

 

Spoiler

 

Edited 14 hours ago by daydream

[computerwiz]

53 minutes ago, daydream said:

it would be good to be conscious of their feelings and try not to eat or drink in front of them. One young man who is not a Muslim was slapped a few times by a old Muslim man in an Islamic garb out in the mall recently. 

 

Guess he was hangry!   

 

54 minutes ago, daydream said:

there are many benefits to abstaining from food for a period of time

 

Yep, I'm back on the bandwagon of fasting.  It's the only way to get weight off when you're as busy as an JW elder is...

 

Getting into Keto first helps tremendously.  Once in Keto, fasting is a breeze.  I'm doing OMAD (one meal a day) today and for the next 3 days.  I gained 4 pounds when I got off Keto for a month, now back on it, I lost 5.  The "fasting" or OMAD days are the push the body needs to drop more.  I've got to drop 40 more pounds before I make it to the beach in September!