For several days, blog articles and YouTube videos have focused on prayer.
It’s worth reminding that the passage we’ve been reading are in the context of Jesus’s message that we are to let our light shine before others, but we are to exceed the outward behavior of the religious leaders.
Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5.17).
“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5.20).
The religious leaders sought not only to glorify God but also themselves. Followers of Jesus are to glorify God, but not highlight their good deeds.
Giving to charity and the poor (6.1-4) and praying (6.5-8) are important acts, but they should be done humbly, without seeking recognition.
Do them in private, so that only God is aware of your good deeds. This way, the world will see God’s glory reflected in your actions, not praise you for your generosity.
Fasting was a common religious activity in Jesus’s day, but not so much in ours. Like giving and praying, fasting needs to be something between a human and God, not for the public to see.
“And whenever you fast, do not look somber, like the hypocrites, for they mark their faces to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.
“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6.16-18).
Uses of Fasting
The Old Testament called for fasting on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29-31). During and after the exile, there were fast days established in memory of the destruction of Jerusalem (Zechariah 7:3-5).
Psalm 35 is typical of other occasions in the Old Testament when fasting accompanied sorrow, repentance, and deep concern.
But as for me, when they were sick,
I wore sackcloth;
I afflicted myself with fasting.
I prayed with head bowed on my bosom,
As though I grieved for a friend or a brother;
I went about as one who laments for a mother,
bowed down and in mourning. (Psalm 35.13-14)
The book of Acts describes two instances where fasting and prayer were used together to seek God’s guidance for important decisions. The Holy Spirit directed the first missionaries to be sent after a time of prayer and fasting.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off (Acts 13.2-3).
The appointment of church leaders was so crucial that they sought the Spirit’s direction through prayer and fasting.
And after they had appointed elders for them in each church, with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had come to believe (Acts 14.23).
Misuses of Fasting
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus criticizes the misuse of fasting. He warns against fasting to appear more holy. He emphasizes that outward displays are unimportant.
Instead, he instructs us to maintain a normal appearance while fasting, allowing it to be a private act between ourselves and God.
Isaiah 58 is a key chapter on fasting. It opens with a dialogue between the people and God. The people ask why God hasn’t noticed their fasting and come to their aid.
God’s response is worth considering in detail.
(1) The pursuit of self-interest is not compatible with fasting.
Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day
and oppress all your workers. (Isaiah 58.3)
(2) The purpose of fasting is to draw the worshipper into a relationship with God, where we take on His character traits.
Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of injustice,
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 them
and not to hide yourself from your own kin? (Isaiah 58.6-7)
Pagan religions have a long history of using fasting as a way to manipulate their gods into granting favors.
In contrast, genuine fasting practiced for the One True God is about aligning ourselves with his love and ethical principles.
Experience with Fasting
The biggest takeaway from my fasting experience is the realization of how self-centered my thoughts can be.
One instance stands out: while my family enjoyed a fast-food dinner during a fast, I was at home preparing fruit juice.
At that moment, I asked God, “Isn’t there another way?”
It felt like a clear answer came back: “That’s what you’re always asking. You’re asking for another way, an easier way out.”
If I hadn’t been fasting, I would not have learned that important aspect of my character. Also, I wouldn’t have had an encounter with God, which I remember many years after that event.
Are you new to fasting? Here’s a beginner-friendly approach:
— Start with a light dinner: On the day before your fast, have a light meal in the evening.
— Skip meals, focus on God: The next day, skip breakfast and lunch. Use these times you’d normally eat for prayer, Bible reading, and connecting with God.
— Hunger pangs as a prompt: When hunger arises, view it as a reminder to “be hungry” for God’s presence.
— Break the fast with dinner: Conclude your fast with another light meal in the evening.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 