Quiet Fasting

Matthew 6:16-18 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 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.”
 
THERE is Jesus’ using “when” again. “When you do righteous acts. When you pray. When you fast.” inform us Jesus’ teachings are not ideas or suggestions. They are God’s commands. Obey his commands, and God’s will is done on earth. That is the way God’s kingdom works. He establishes the rules. Kingdom citizenship is King obedience.
   But most of us probably pay little attention to “when you fast” because we likely have not been taught about fasting. To fast is to not eat beyond a very basic nutrition for a period of time, usually a day or several days. To fast is to demonstrate to God your faith in his provision to care for you. Many who fast say, “I wasn’t hungry.” because the Spirit wa feeding God’s grace to them. When you fast, you spend less time on what you will eat and more time to consider your reliance on God’s mercy. A physical hunger can remind us of your spiritual needs. You fast and pray for your deeper awareness of God’s sovereign authority. Self-denial helps you, also, to learn how to resist temptations.
   Jesus taught us how to say, “No.” to evil during a forty-day fast when he resisted Satan’s temptations: Matthew 4:2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” When we know and remember what is written, God’s Word delivers us from evil.
   The Bible describes several times when Israel fasted as a nation to seek God’s favor. Scripture tells also of many individuals who fasted when there was a great challenge before them, including difficult assignment God gave them.
   As the church began, the twelve apostles continued to observe particular Jewish fast days that commemorated events of note in their history. But the church through the ages has seemed to diminish the importance of Jesus’ directive.       
   Yes, Jesus said, “When you fast.” What, then, do you say? Fast quietly to focus on God. Submit to his provision and seek his direction for your life as the Holy Spirit leads you.
   As with prayer and offerings, fasting is to be private. What matters, as you know, is what is in your heart.
 
Jesus Teaches: Self-denial in Christ will lead to a growing hunger to consume God’s Word.