Fasting • Devotion 1: Fasting
Pastor John Carter
As we continue in Matthew chapter 6, we see Jesus teach us aspects of fasting. Fasting is an interesting Bible concept that has been present throughout all the Scriptures. However, it is possible that you know very little about this subject. This is why we will study it and hopefully learn the proper way to walk through fasting and how to properly apply it to our lives. So, this week, we are going to study the concept of fasting.
Matthew 6:16-18 says, “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
If you have been following us through this series in Matthew, you will quickly identify Jesus’ similar teaching style of comparing hypocrites against authentic followers and worshipers of God. In previous weeks, we have seen this comparison in how we give, how we pray, and now, in how we fast.
What do you understand about fasting? Maybe some of you think of the Catholic observation of Lent prior to Easter. Maybe you think of the “Daniel Fast” as a type of diet. Maybe you are familiar with this aspect of fasting a daily meal for the purpose of bodybuilding. The truth is that when it comes to fasting, there seem to be a lot of different ideas about it. Jesus clearly teaches that fasting is something we should be doing. He says, “When you fast,” and the implication is that we would do this fasting at some point in our walk with Christ. The difference in when to do it is pretty dramatic. The word “when” implies that you will participate at some point in the future, in contrast to the word “if” which leaves the door open to the idea you may never participate. Maybe you are a new Christian and you have never fasted before, I do not want you to freak out. As we walk through understanding the element of worship that takes place in fasting, you will find yourself (hopefully) excited to participate in His amazing way to worship and have communion with God.
Isaiah chapter 58 is a good place to start as we begin to walk through fasting. This is a chapter that shows us many of the serious aspects of fasting. The house of Jacob had a question and received a response to how they approached fasting. Isaiah 58:3 says, “‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers.”
Some of the initial understanding we can gain from this passage is that fasting is an act of humbling oneself. This is where we will lay the foundation. This fasting is not for some form of personal gain, whether it be for Lent, a diet, or for a healthier body. It is important to understand the biblical reason is to be humble before God. It is to represent how we show God our humility towards him. In the same passage, we see that the house of Jacob did not understand why God did not see their false humility; He did not acknowledge it. The response was that the people (house of Jacob) were doing it for their own pleasure. They had really bad motives behind their fasting. They did it to oppress their workers.
As we study this topic, we should start by truly seeking to humbly walk in line with what God designed. It is not about giving up something for a short period of time to feel good about yourself, nor is meant to be a diet so you lose weight. It was not designed to be a way to gain health. It was meant to be a way to show God our humility before His very eyes.
Fasting is recorded in Isaiah as the true design and heart of God.
Isaiah 58:6-7 continues, “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”
Wow, that is a completely different idea of fasting than what is commonly discussed! Instead of just temporarily giving up a meal, God asks you to take the food you would have eaten and give it to the hungry. God directs that during your fast, you would give the food you had not eaten to the homeless in your town. If you see someone without covering, you would give up your covering for their benefit. This is really and truly the heart of fasting.
We often associate fasting as some form of giving up on our part and we hope that God will see us for our sacrifice. Just as the house of Jacob was confused about their fasting, I think we in this day and age are equally confused. The condemnation of the house of Jacob was that their workers were oppressed. Isaiah describes their oppression in verses 6-7. They think they are acting humbly by going without food; however, they completely ignore the hungry. Maybe they stop watching T.V. for 40 days, but completely walk past the homeless that have no place to warm their hands. Maybe they give up buying the new Jordans, but walk past those who have no shoes on their feet.
I know this is a harsh opening to fasting. It is convicting me as I write it. However, I would rather be convicted and understand how God desires me to worship Him, than continue to do something in vain. Today, take a deep breath and ask God to open your heart to fasting and how it is to be applied to your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you to understand fasting as God designed it.