Jesus offers instruction on fasting in Matthew 6
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. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that 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.
In this passage, our Master calls out a common practice in ancient times. When people fasted, they wanted to gain attention, so they would try to look as miserable as possible. They would go unbathed, uncombed and unhappy. They hoped someone would pass by and say, "Poor guy, he's fasting again." This would draw a subtle smile to the faster's face. In that moment, he gained what the wanted. He was noticed.
In the desire to be noticed, the person fasting was playing to the wrong audience. Jesus lets us know that we need to play to the right audience--The audience of ONE. He commands us to wash our faces and anoint our heads with oil. Anointing one’s head and washing one’s face was not done for daily hygienic or cosmetic reasons. Rather, it was reserved for joyous occasions.
At this half way point we might feel some tiny miseries, and might be tempted to let them show. Lack of caffeine is giving us headaches. Lack of sugar is making us edgy or sleepy. Lack of technology is making us feel disconnected. Lack of variety is making us bored. We may feel justified acting touchy, cranky and outwardly unpleasant. This is a lesson of the fast. Jesus is calling us to push aside the temptation to show off the fast. We are being called, in the face of physical depravation, to exhibit a spirit of fullness.
Think of it, we are just shy of half way! In a marathon, we'd be around the twelve mile marker. A lot is behind us. A lot is ahead of us. We are in the thick of it. Today, choose joy! Don't exude a crabby disposition. Choose joy!
Today's Prayer Focus
On this third day of intercession, let's bring aspects of our normal midday prayer to God. Let's pray with urgency for the lost. Brings names to God of people who need Him. In addition, let's pray that God would fill our hearts with compassion and conviction. Compassion recognizes that lost souls are captives of a vile enemy. Conviction is not content to watch captives remain captive. We pray with urgency. We demonstrate God's love with urgency. We share the Gospel with urgency. We urgently desire to bring them safely home to God.
Remember, we are praying cumulatively, so we will continue to pray Monday's prayer--praying for anyone God brings to mind. We are also praying Tuesday's prayer for new life, asking God to fill us with freshness, to direct us toward new paths, to raise up new servant-leaders and fill us with new dreams.