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.
DAILY PRAYER REQUEST: Lord, deepen our focus on you.
DAILY THOUGHT: FASTING BEFORE GOD ALONE
In our Bible passage Jesus encourages us not to draw attention to ourselves when we fast. Don’t look morbid and sad when we fast, he says, so that others notice. Instead he tells us to “put oil on your head and wash your face” (Matthew 6: 17). In other words, “Take a shower and fix yourself up. Brush your teeth, put on deodorant and some nice clothes, so that no one else will know that you are fasting.” What’s the reason for this counsel? Jesus does not want us to fast in order to show how religious or devout or “good” we are. He wants us to fast in order to fix our focus on God and to strengthen our personal experience of God’s resources. Real fasting is always between God and us.
DAILY PRACTICE:
Pray the prayer request for the week. Read again the Bible passage for this week, paying special attention to the advice that Jesus gives for fasting. Can you think of any other reasons that Jesus may have had in mind when he gave his advice about not deliberately drawing attention to ourselves when we fast? Today commit yourself to go without food in between your meals. When you think about having a snack, direct your attention towards God and ask for his help in staying faithful to your little fast. Don’t talk about it with anyone else.