Autophagia - it’s all the rage in the ‘dieting world’ these days… Auto (Self) Phagy (Eating) is the process by which the body cleanses itself of damaged cells, and revitalizes existing ones through fasting. It happens naturally as we sleep, since no food is being consumed while snoozing - which is why we call the first meal of the day, break-fast. According to research, autophagia kicks into high gear when we fast for 17 hours or more. This is why intermittent fasting (eating only in a window of 7 hours), is becoming very popular among weight loss enthusiasts!
Dry fasts, going without food or water for prolonged periods, can triple the effectiveness of cell repair according to research. Benefits include slowing the aging process, weight loss, and prevention of certain chronic diseases. According to research published in the International Journal of Molecular science, autophagia can strengthen our bodies against metabolic diseases like diabetes, certain cancers and neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimers.
Exercise is also said to be a means for inducing the autophagia process in our bodies.
How does autophagia work? Well, according to Roberta Gottlieb MD, at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles: “Essentially, a membrane forms around material within the cells that has been marked for disposal. It encases that material in a membrane and then delivers it to the lysosome, which is full of digestive enzymes that can break down the cargo.”
All that being said, healthy food is not only essential to our health, but also one of the great rewards of work: “I (Solomon) know that nothing is better for them (Mankind) than to rejoice and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor - it is the gift of God.” (ECCL.3:12,13)
Jesus said, “A worker is worthy of his food.” (MATTHEW 10:10)
But unfortunately, too many Human Beings make food consumption an idol, eating or drinking too much (gluttony), or eating that which is forbidden (LEVITICUS 11 & DEUTERONOMY 14). The Apostle Paul had to address this in his day: “For many walk, of whom I have told you often and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame - who set their minds on earthly things.” (PHILIPPIANS 3:18,19)
God Almighty scolded ancient Israel for “yielding to intense craving” (NUMBERS 11:4-33), when HE had provided them with manna to make bread.
And according to your Bible, God is going to severely punish all those who like Adam & Eve - decide to eat what is forbidden: “For by fire and by His sword the Lord will judge all flesh (not just the Jews) and the slain of the Lord shall be many. ‘Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves , to go to the gardens after an idol in the midst, eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse shall be consumed together,’ says the Lord.’” (ISAIAH 66:16,17)
Christians should be able to say with Job, “I have not departed from the commandment of HIS lips; I have treasured the words of HIS mouth more than my necessary food.” (JOB 23:12)
But fasting doesn’t just benefit us physically, it can also benefit our relationship with God and our neighbor, if we use the extra time we save from not preparing and consuming meals to examine our actions toward God and Man:
“Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
“If you take away the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
10 If you extend your soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul,
Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
And your darkness shall be as the noonday.
11 The Lord will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
The Human Race has drifted away from God individually and collectively! When this has happened in the past - great national leaders have proclaimed collective fasts. A King of Judah was once told that his nation was about to be attacked, so he took spiritual action: “And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” (II CHRONICLES 20:2,3) Abraham Lincoln called for a national day of prayer and fasting during the Civil War. When Ezra and the people of Israel had returned from Babylon to rebuild the temple and the wall around Jerusalem, the people who filled the void in the land while they were in captivity greatly impeded their efforts. So Ezra says, “Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.” (EZRA 8:21) Queen Esther also called for a nation wide fast when she found out about a decree of genocide against her people Israel (ESTHER 4:16)
The attacks against the United States on 9-11 caused a temporary return of people to worship God, and all the churches of our land were filled. But that turn towards the Creator was only temporary. What’s it going to take to really turn the hearts and minds of all Americans back to their God and obedience to His word? Divine disasters like Hurricane Helene one after another? Earthquakes that devastate whole cities? Nuclear War that brings us to the brink of national annihilation?
Fasting is good for us physically - but even more valuable spiritually! Listen to and heed the words of the prophet Joel: “Now, therefore,’ says the Lord, ‘Turn to ME with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’ So rend your hearts, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, for HE is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and HE relents from doing harm. Who knows if HE will turn and relent…” (JOEL 2:12-14)