Matthew 6:16-18 – Fasting in God’s Presence

I could do with some personal fasting on my own but not only for religious reasons. I need to lose weight, and hopefully it will lower my cases of heartburn. What does that have to do with fasting? We all have issues with fasting. Some like it. Some avoid it. Some do not have any idea about it. Some can do it while others need an easy out. Some have religious reason while others have health issues. Fasting can be good as a means of purging the body from the bad things in our environments and it can be dangerous.

Fasting in the eyes of Christ was a means to spend time with God in prayer. It has moments of discomfort so we can experience His comfort.

The Pharisee used fasting as means to gain attention and approval of those around them. They made themselves look the act. Ever seen a child faking a sickness? My kids have tried that means of getting attention only to change their tunes when I threatened to take them to the doctor for a shot. The face my kids make is the same face that the Pharisee made when fasting. The Pharisee wanted the attention of the crowd as a means of gaining approval of their self-perceived “holiness.”

Hypocrites emerge in many fashions but always with the same motive - they want all the fanfare and they do not wish to share it.

Jesus does not present new ideas for fasting. He does give refreshed ideas in fasting properly. He says we should put oil on our heads and wash our faces. The oil represents that we are dedicating this fast to God and time spent with Him. Washing our faces means we should act normal. In other words, get up, take a shower, get dressed, and go about your day as you would any other day. Instead of eating, you spend time with God.

This is like the prayer closet. Prayer is an intimate means of communication between you and God. Fasting builds intimacy by focusing honor towards God. Hypocrites do not think their means of fasting affect God’s opinion of them. They believe they have already made enough effort to be in the graces of God. They think that their acts gain them God’s unmerited favor.

We have to know that the act of fasting does not earn us any favor with God. The act of fasting is a means of focusing our attention on God who has already focused His attention on us. Fasting is a means of growing in relationship with God. Sure it may be done in secret but secrets kept lead to great unveilings! You may not see God. You may not fully understand your decision to fast. God, however, has already set plans in motion to reward obedience to His will. He has already determined how He is going to reward us. The unknown may seem unnerving but the unveiling of God’s reward will far outweigh any discomfort we may endure during our times of trying to get to know Him more.

• Have you ever fasted? When was the last time? What did or did not happen?
• How do you view fasting?
• Is fasting something that interests you? See Elmer Towns - Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough
• How does knowing how God rewards faithfulness affect your view of fasting?