100. Not If, But When!

Matthew 6:16-18

Key Verse: "But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men 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."

Matthew 6:17-18

Originally, God only called upon His people to fast one day a year, on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29-30). "This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: on the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselves (that is, fast from food) and not do any work because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins." However, other fasts were called for throughout Jewish history, when prophets, priests or kings would call the nation to repentance, in the hopes that God would hear their prayers and relieve their suffering.

Fasting is almost a lost practice today. Fasting is basically denying yourself something that you either need or enjoy. Usually, when we think of fasting, we think of food, or for a short period, food and water. Longer fasts may call for abstaining from meats, fats and any other beverage than water, such as Daniel's fast in Daniel 10. Today, people will often take a fast from media or electronics to give themselves more time with God.

Why we fast is a different matter altogether. I like to say that fasting is a way of telling the Lord that "I'm so busy talking with you that I don't have time to stop and eat!" Well, for some, that is true. Fasting helps improve our concentration and focus on our relationship with the Lord. For some, it's a matter of self-discipline. It is true that fasting, when accompanied by the right heart motive, does strengthen us in Christ, and make our issues more clear and intensify our worship.

The religious leaders of Jesus' day fasted way more than God had ever required. They let it be known that they were suffering by putting ashes on their heads, or possibly not grooming their beards. It was an outward demonstration of their piety to the people. "My goodness, how pious he is! How does he ever keep going skipping meals twice a week?" In truth, since these men were probably practicing a fast that went from sun down one day to sun down the next, they weren't really going a whole day without food, but it looked good anyway.

Then, as Jesus pointed out, they had their reward. Praise of man was all they wanted. They were hypocrites, just acting for the sake of the crowd. Jesus calls his disciples not to do this. "Don't put ashes on your head, instead, put on oil, and wash your face and be happy!" After all, you are in fellowship with your creator. Isn't that something to celebrate? Your Father knows your heart. He sees the truth, and, He is listening. If your relationship with the Lord is constant and unbroken, it is simply your new way of life. In part, it is in secret because it is internal. What will not remain secret is the fruit of the Spirit that transforms your whole self into someone more like Christ. Isn't that exciting!

Hymn: "Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire"