Matthew 6:16-18
16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair[d] and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
You may or may not have heard, but the whole month of September we are fasting in support of the mission and evangelistic efforts of Kaleo International in the unreached tribes of South Sudan.
Fasting as Jesus modeled is the discipline of depriving the flesh of comfort so that our spirit can become more aware and edified before the Spirit of God.
The fasting of food is the quickest way to accomplish this goal. Though, if led by the Spirit, fasting from other things such as social media, desserts and any other culturally acceptable creature comfort is fine too. Again, the point is to spiritually crucify the flesh as we edify our spirits before God. This creates a greater hunger and desire for obedience to Him and His plans.
There are two facts I have found to be absolute when fasting…
It never feels good.
After I am done fasting, I never regret that I did.
These two truths help me better understand why Jesus gave the simple instructions for us when we are fasting.
There is a reward in heaven from the Father for those who would embrace the spiritual discipline of fasting. Jesus was specific so that we would not mistakenly exchange our eternal heavenly reward for a temporal reward and something more gratifying to the flesh here on earth.
I am grateful for Jesus' instructions, because often, in the pains of hunger or while fighting the temptation to look at my phone, I, like you, want the sympathy or admiration of others to carry me through. I want people to see me doing something pious and noble. I want people to celebrate and edify the very flesh desires within me I am trying to crucify through fasting. The irony…
Thankfully Jesus gives very specific and direct orders. Do not do what the “hypocrites” do. In fact, that word hypocrites in the Greek that Jesus is speaking is “hypokritai”, (don’t ask me to pronounce that) which also means “actor”.
Jesus is literally saying don’t be an actor or a fake disciple. Don’t be like the people who belong to the world, don't settle. These actors may feel good now but the only reward they will ever get will be based on how others can make them feel, as they make a spectacle of their spirituality. Instead, allow fasting to be an intimate engagement between you and the Father. Do it in such a way no one will ever know, except the Father. If you do this, then you will be rewarded beyond the limitations of this world. Your reward won't be dependent on how others can make you feel. When you make your fasting another place of intimacy between you and Jesus, you make space for His blessing to overflow in places of your life where your flesh once dominated.
This is how Jesus calls us to fast, with great expectation. Expectation in Him, not in other people. Expectation for what He will accomplish, not only in South Sudan, but also in our individual lives as we lay down our flesh to be more intimate with Him through the discipline of fasting.
Whether you are a seasoned fasting pro, or this is your first time ever attempting to fast, I want to invite you to participate with a heightened sense of expectation from God.
Of course, we are fasting the entire month of September, but if all you can do is a day, that's ok too. Feel free to ask any questions about fasting to any of the leaders within our church family. Most of all, really lean into Jesus asking Him what He wants you to give up during September. I can’t wait to look back in October and marvel at all He has done through each of us.
Love,
Pastor John
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