Matthew 6:16-18
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Devotion
Jesus now moves on to the subject of fasting. Fasting is going without something so that we can better connect with God. Fasting is often intertwined with worship and prayer. Like the practices of giving and praying, fasting is a private matter between a person and God. Once again, Jesus uses the word hypocrite to describe people who go out of their way to let others know they are fasting. Like the previous hypocrites mentioned, “they have received their reward in full.” Once again, this is about motivation and reward. They want to be admired by others. Their motivation is the approval of man, not God.
In Scripture, we recognize that there is a private and corporate dimension to fasting. Fasting allows God to reveal that we are dependent on Him for everything. God often uses fasting as a way of revealing our sin and helps us connect with the very heart of God. No matter how you look at it, fasting is a personal matter between the soul and God. But like the other spiritual disciplines, fasting can be manipulated.
Jesus is teaching us that when we fast, we are not to be fake, but we are to be faithful. We must not take for granted the opportunities that God gives us to draw close to Him. Fasting is an important part of our spiritual growth. In the end, we don’t need human approval, we need God’s presence. It takes discipline to say no to seeking human approval. In his message, Pastor Adam said, “It is far easier to look spiritually fit than to be spiritually strong.” God equips us and strengthens us to walk this spiritual journey. As we rely on His power, we will more accurately reflect God in His world.
Questions to Ponder:
Is fasting a part of your normal spiritual disciplines? What types of things might you give up as part of a spiritual fast? Has there ever been a time you fasted and experienced God’s presence in a new and powerful way? What needs to be surrendered from your life in order to live the Jesus way?
Prayer Points
- Worship God as your Bridegroom King. In Luke 5:34-35, Jesus responded to a question about fasting. Jesus answered, “Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.”
- Tell the LORD you want to know Him as your Bridegroom King, as the Lover of your soul.
- Ask Him to enable you by the power of the Holy Spirit to fast.
- Pray for our church family to have grace and power to individually and corporately fast. Ask the Lord to grant strength and focus. Pray for protection, discipline, joy in the place of dependence, and physical and emotional weakness, as there is a stronger reliance on the Spirit of God for help while fasting.
- “Soak” in His Presence by sitting still before Him as you mediate on Him and His Word.
Suggested Prayer
I love You, Lord. You are my God and there is no other. I praise You for being powerful, Holy, strong, all-knowing, the Good Shepherd, my Advocate, Mediator, Savior, LORD, Healer, Redeemer, and Friend. Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned against You, and I have sinned against others. Forgive me for my wandering heart and mind. I confess compromise, wrong motives, gossip, pride, bitterness, and being judgmental and impatient. I have disobeyed Your Word and voice and deafened my ears to Your Spirit when You asked me to do something that was inconvenient for me. Have mercy upon me, oh God. Thank You for Your mercies that are new every morning. It feels so amazing, Lord, to be forgiven by You and to float in Your sea of grace. Father, I ask that You lead me into Your truth today. What is on Your heart? What do You want to do in and through me, Abba? Teach me Your ways, especially when it comes to fasting. Protect me from the trap of thinking that fasting or prayer make me spiritual. Surround me with the light of Your truth, that as I “starve my body” I am starving my flesh—my old man. Grant me strength and grace for the coming days and weeks as I give myself to this. That I would not try to do it on my own but rather, rely on Your Holy Spirit to strengthen and lead me moment-to-moment. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.