DAY NINETEEN
Fasting That Pleases God -Matthew 6:16-18 16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
1. Not to be seen of men
- In Jesus’ day the hypocrites fasted with a sad countenance and a disfigured face.
- Unfortunately, the reason some fasted was to win the praise of men.
- Our fasting is to be seen of God and should not be done to draw attention to ourselves.
- For this reason we should “anoint our heads” and “wash our face”.
2. Not as a ritual
- Fasting should be done only when the occasion calls for it.
3. Not without true repentance
- All of our fasting and praying is to no avail if it is not accompanied with penitent obedience on our part.
Some Suggestions:
- Do not fast just because everyone else is and it seems like a “neat” thing to do.
- Fasting must be taken seriously and prayerfully.
- Fasting must be done when the occasion is a serious one.
- When you begin a fast, start slow and fast for brief periods of time.
- End the fast slow, gradually breaking your fast with fresh fruits and vegetables in small amounts.
- Fast when you have time to spend in prayerful mediation.
