“Fasting”

 

 

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others 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.

 

Matthew 6:16-18

 

Have you ever fasted so that you could know that man does not live by bread alone?

 

Man should live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of our Lord.

 

When we do fast we are told not to draw attention to ourselves. Jesus was teaching that this is a private act of sacrificial worship that should not provide any room for religious pride.

 

We are also told that our Father sees what is done in secret and we will be rewarded justly.

 

Although fasting is not required, in giving up something we love, we may have a deeper experience of the God we love. He rewards us with Himself.

 

Moving away from the table can bring us closer to the Father.

 

Our Daily BreadJuly 28, 2011