Disciples Value Spiritual Disciplines
Matthew 6:16-18
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.
~ Jesus,
Does it sound scandalous to say God will reward one for fasting? While Jesus rebukes people over fasting for ungodly reasons, He also says that the Father rewards those who fast for right reasons. Note that in Matthew 6, Jesus speaks about the spiritual disciplines "when you give," "when you pray" and "when you fast" in direct succession.
Most people would readily expect Christians to give and pray but fasting has been notoriously absent. If Jesus can speak of these three alike, maybe fasting should get more consideration. Martin Luther found his prayer life was quickened when he fasted, which he apparently did often.
With Lent on the horizon, we're spending this week looking at the spiritual discipline of fasting.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, knowing that you took fasting seriously both personally and for Your disciples, help me to find a place for it in my life as well. As the Spirit led You, I pray that He leads me as well -- that I might be in Your will in every capacity of my world: Body, mind, and spirit, Amen.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 130:1-8
1 O LORD, out of the depths I call to you.
2 O Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be open to my pleas for mercy.
3 O LORD, who would be able to stand
if you kept a record of sins?
4 But with you there is forgiveness
so that you can be feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and with hope I wait for his word.
6 My soul waits for the LORD
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
because with the LORD there is mercy
and with him there is unlimited forgiveness.
8 He will rescue Israel from all its sins.
Micro-Meditation Action
Read the verses of the Psalm two times. Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.
Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
There is a sense of anticipation pervading Psalm 130. Though the Psalmist won’t claim blessings by merit, yet he holds out in hope for goodness from the Lord.