Day 7

This week, our Lord has us examining fasting. Jesus said in Matthew 6:16, “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.” When Jesus proclaimed His Word about fasting, everyone...

Fasting is an incredible way to worship our Lord. Jesus also said (in Matthew 6:16) that when we fast, we must “not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do.” Fasting should set our hearts to rejoicing as we fellowship deeply with our Lord and His Word. A beautiful description of fasting and the reasons for fasting is found in Isaiah 58:5–8,...

Jesus made it very clear that fasting is not about being noticed by anyone. We’re continuing to examine Isaiah 58:5–8 and will for the next couple of days. God wants us free from the bondage of this world. In other words, free from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:16). That is why God said ...

God also said this about fasting in Isaiah 58:7: “Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house; When you see the naked, to cover him; And not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” Another incredible benefit of fasting is that we are able to share with others in need. Since we fast from food, we ca...

Another part of fasting is what God describes in Isaiah 58:8, “Then your light will break out like the dawn, and your recovery will speedily spring forth; And your righteousness will go before you; The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” As our lives belong to our Lord Jesus Christ, we must reflect on what our Lord said in Matthew 5:1...

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:17–18, “But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face 18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by men…” When we’re fasting, our appearance must reflect His joy and peace so that no one knows we’re fasting. Fasting has never been about drawing attention to ourselves, though we may be tempted to do...

Jesus closed Matthew 6:18 by saying, “so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” We know God sees everything, but what a great reminder that we fast to please, praise, honor, and glorify Him. Our lives do not belong to us. God tells us...