Mark 2:19 and Beauty for Ashes

Jesus replied, "Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. They can't fast while the groom is with them."

Mark 2:19 nlt

The question has been asked, Is fasting required to be a disciple? (Mark 2:18) It is a good question. All the people that are admired for their religious piety, the Pharisees and the disciples of John, fast for Yom Kippor, But Y'shua's disciples stand out because they do not fast.

Isn't that what religious people do? Y'shua answered them, "They absolutely can not fast (something done when your mourn) when they cling to Himself. Mark 2:19.... in deb world.

A little bit of Greek word study. This verse contains multiple words that are either left out or translated differently then I would like to see... a presumptuous statement from a woman who does not speak Greek, so take it with the grain of salt of your own study.

G3361 MEE is a negative adverb connected to the verb translated "can" The kj says, ...can ___ the children of the bridechamber fast,... In English we put the subject before the verb. "the children of the bridechamber cannot fast..."

G2192 ECHO a verb meaning to hold, to have (continual possession) It is the idea behind our marriage vows when we say, "To have and to hold from this day forth." It indicates a continual possession. The ability to recognize something for what it truly is.

Y'shua said, 'No way can the son of the bridal bed possibly fast when he clings to Myself'

There is a time to recognize the hopelessness of your sinful state. It is right to fast and mourn about the sin you deeply regret and the wall it puts between you and life you long to live. Life with your loved ones whom you have crushed, life with your family that you have not developed a relationship with, eternal-life with the One (ECHAD) who loves you unconditionally and whom you would love to spend your eternity with. But the God who created you cannot be in the presence of sin. You have been spoiled and are good only for the flames of a different eternity.

But Jesus... The Son of God, is the only just One (ECHAD) in all the world and history Who is willing to be your justifier (Romans 3:26)... He alone can pay the penalty for the sin that separates you (2 Corinthians 5:21) from eternity with the Almighty and those who love Him. Y'shua-Jesus died your death so that you can live His life! (2 Corinthians 5:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:10; 2 Peter 2:24) That kind of love was described by Isaiah.

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty (a garland) for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness they will be like great oaks that YHVH has planted for his own glory.    Isaiah 63:3

The despair becomes the power of Joy. We need not practice religious mourning when we have Y'shua, the Son of God, to cling to!

Mrs. Hagerty November 7, 2016