Scripture:
Matthew 6:16-18 When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Observation:
Notice that Jesus sys “When you fast” not “If you fast.” This implies that fasting is to be a regular part of the life of a follower of Jesus. We must discipline ourselves in self-denial if we are to follow Him (Matthew 16:24). It is through fasting that we invite Him more fully into our lives (Matthew 9:15) and develop the character of Jesus so that we can truly say, as He said in the Garden, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
What is on display in your life when you fast? Your sadness, hunger, or weakness? Or, is it the grace of God? How you fast determines what results you get from a fast.
Application:
Fasting is not about getting sympathy from God or other people. It is about practicing self-denial without making a show of it and watching the grace of God strengthen you amid your weakness. When we turn away from food, worldly pleasures, and our own self-centeredness and we turn to God, He assures us of a public reward. What is this reward? His character in you. His glory in your life in a greater measure that becomes noticeable to others so they start seeing the difference and, therefore, the power of God to transform.
We are not to fast for the purpose of others noticing us, but as we grow in humility and the love of God, it will be evident to others just as it was evident that Moses had been with God (Exodus 34:29). He did not go up to the mountain so his face should shine when he came down. He went up to meet with God, and his face shown as a result. Fasting that pleases God (Isaiah 58) results in the glory of God being on display in our lives.
Prayer:
Jesus, I love You and thank You for today. You are holy, glorious, and good. Let Your glory be on display in my life and my church that Your name would be exalted. Help me to not make a show of fasting. Give me strength so that the only thing others notice is Your work in my life, not the fact that I’m skipping lunch or have a growling stomach. I ask that Your presence would increase in my life. Help me to be more like You – to follow where You lead, so that Your Kingdom can come and will be done in and through my life. Amen.
Worship: