“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
A freshly cut off branch that is put in a small vase does look fresh and decorative. It can also become a centerpiece on a table or in a room. But do you know that in a few days time, this branch will die?
To begin this 3 days fast, Jesus reminded us from John 15:5 that everything that is apart from Him will not last. It may look good on the outside but temporarily.
The Bible even gave us a couple warnings about this, what is the benefit of a man who gains the whole world but lost his soul? Also in the book of revelations 3:1 as John wrote his vision regarding writings to the seven churches.
“...I know your works, that you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead." - Revelations 3:1
As we begin to fast, let us first remove our "good looking" appearance and reputations at others, and just being very honest to the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to search deep within our hearts.
Jesus taught us to abide in Him just as a branch attached to the True Vine.
First step today: Come to Jesus just as you are.
The Bible calls it childlike (Matt 18:3) and with tenderheartedness (Eph 4:32). It doesn't matter if you know how to pray good prayers, quote scriptures or even has extensive experience of being a minister. Just like a child meeting his beloved Father, that is how we should begin our fast, approach our Heavenly Daddy with eagerness and pure joy.