David Bahn – Reflections

Matthew 6:16-18

¹⁶“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. ¹⁷But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, ¹⁸that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

I have fasted – at least once; actually more than once. So can I brag? Hardly. How about you? Jesus warns his hearers not to fast in such a manner that they are seen by men. His point? Honor God, not yourself with your acts of righteousness. Act, devote, pray, fast, and live as though there really is a God who hears, sees, watches, and rewards those who honor Him.

Our problem – even in these difficult economic times – is that we don’t know much of anything about fasting; it’s a lost art. Few people have occasion to talk about fasting because so few actually fast. We go from one large meal to another. We enjoy fine wine, great food, upscale restaurants, or drive-through junk-food dispensaries to the point of boredom. When was the last time you actually felt hungry beyond the appointed time to eat? When was the last time you ate so little that your stomach was just barely full?

I’ve always said, he preaches best what he needs most. So if I strike a cord here, just line up with me and consider a different approach to food and drink. Here Jesus is not speaking so much about whether or not we ought to fast. He speaks about the manner in which we ought to live before God and neighbor. Forget seeking the praise of man. Seek the favor of God.

And there’s the rub: how might we attain the favor of God? It’s not so much a matter of fasting in just the right way. It’s a matter of putting God first, living for Him, seeking His approval, and acknowledging Him as our Father in heaven whose name is holy, whose kingdom is to come, whose will is to be done, who forgives sin, provides for our daily needs, and has delivered us from evil.

The favor of God is not something to be attained, but received. It is a given with God. And when we live as though he really matters – more than the praise of man – then we show that we believe that from our hearts. Certainly we’ll falter here; we’ll not always keep things in the right perspective. But the Father has forgiven us through the death of Jesus. And he receives those who come to him in repentance and faith.

A line from a powerful hymn goes, “Forgive us Lord for feast that knows no fast” (Lutheran Service Book, hymn # 788): a good thought for us. Perhaps you will be able to fast one day in the coming week. If so, don’t brag about it; let it be a time when you come closer to God, hear his word and remember, “Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 8:3).