Scripture: 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. 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.
Some Thoughts
Fasting has long been a religious discipline in many faiths. In the Jewish and Christian tradition it is most often associated with repentance and humbling oneself before God. A Jewish fast would typically be from morning until evening, eating only after sundown. Fasting twice a week was common. We read in the Scriptures frequently of fasting in sackcloth and ashes. There was likewise a keen awareness of one’s mortality. The longing that comes because of a lack of food during a fast, reminds one of our complete and utter dependence upon the Lord for life itself.
There are positive benefits in the discipline. Fasting produces a longing that must be resisted while denying a need or wish. This act is symbolic of the discipline it takes to turn away from sin. True fasting is not simply a repudiation of a physical act. Fasting truly sharpens the mind, sensitizes one’s spirit to the Lord, and quickens spiritual perception. Feeding on Scripture instead of food is of great good. The practice often enables one to gain a clearer focus on what is significant, what is unimportant, and clarifies the clutter of the mind and soul. Fasting can be instrumental in deepening one’s understanding of an issue of concern. We often think of fasting as related solely to food. But fasting can also include abstaining from a particular habit or practice for a period of time. Fasting of some sort is a normal part of Lent. In a kind of reverse fast, one may also take on a particular spiritual discipline for a period of time.
Again, Jesus said when you fast not if you fast. Sometimes there are short total fasts for a day or two or more. On other occasions there are longer fasts, maybe from specific foods, or perhaps choosing to eat only one meal a day for the specific purpose of being liberated from a fleshly habit or desire. Fasting was a normal and regular part of the life of every major character in the Bible. If this is a new area to you, it will be worth doing your own Bible study on fasting, and then adopting it in some form. As you’ll find out, fasting was never intended to manipulate or gain favor with God. As Jesus pointed out, the whole purpose is to deepen one’s relationship with our heavenly Father. Clearly, Lent is not simply about giving up something for the season.
Try setting aside a regular time to fast during these days, perhaps fasting for one meal or one day a week for starters. Of course be sure that you don’t have a medical condition that would make fasting unhealthy or dangerous. Giving alms for the poor, prayer, and fasting, three of the central themes of this season, are three of the disciplines practiced regularly by our Savior. Maybe he knew something we don’t know.
Music: “As the Deer,” Masters Chorale
https://www.youtube.com/watc?v=oYNNIUtQ160Prayer: Come now, little man turn aside for a while from your daily employment, escape for a moment from the tumult of your thoughts. Put aside your weighty cares, let your burdensome distractions wait, free yourself awhile for God and rest awhile in him. Enter the inner chamber of your soul, shut out everything except God and that which can help you in seeking him, and when you have shut the door, seek him. Now, my whole heart, say to God, ‘I seek your face, Lord, it is your face I seek.’ ―Anselm 1033-1109