16. "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.
I need to address fasting because it is in the Bible, and I need to because I need to. Perhaps most believers in my circles are ignorant of the subject, because so little is really said or preached on it. Now there is a call again for Christians to fast and pray again. In times like these with the world events unfolding.
One of the reasons I like to go through books and passages is that I might address the parts of the Bible I like as well as the parts that I want to skip. There is the temptation to preach the parts that are easy to understand, but I must also address the parts that are more difficult to understand. The Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit and is authoritative for faith and practice. This is profitable for us for teaching, for our reproof, for our correction, and for our training in righteousness. (2 Tim. 3:16) So let’s ask some questions on the topic of fasting.
First, who should fast? There is no question that fasting, meaning not eating food for a particular length of time, was cultural. There were many nations and people of societies that fasted to earn favor for their gods and pagan deities. There were commands also in the Old Testament to the Israelites to have regular fasts. They were required to have one national fast, called the Day of Atonement. This was for all Jews who were not sick or pregnant. In those cases, the people would give a special offering for the needy in place of the national fast. Beside that one time during the year, the Israelites had two other times when most would fast and not eat: Their New Year and times when there were national calls for penitence, contrition of heart, or humiliation before the Lord. Judges 20:26 “Then all the Israelites all whole army, went up to Bethel and there they sat weeping before the Lord. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord,”
In the Scriptures we have many incidents recorded of private fasts during times of sorrow. People who have lost loved ones would fast or if there was a loss in a war or grief. People personally cried out to God in their pain and sorrow. There are illustrations of people praying and fasting desirous of wisdom, seeking the face of God and pleading for direction as they led an army, a nation, or even personal family issues.
Some Christians will say, “That is for the Old Testament people living under the law, not for us who live under the dispensation of grace.” Well, what does the Word say?
In our passage Jesus is speaking to the kingdom people - we who have been changed by the power of the Holy Spirit and made to be His sons and daughters.
“When you fast.” It is implied that we fast as followers of Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, today I meditate on these words of fasting and what that means for me.
