Discipleship Point
Matthew 6:16-18
Fasting
16 “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. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 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.
Pondering Point
Jesus’ words "when you fast…” clearly anticipate that His disciples will fast (see Matthew 6:16 and 9:15).
Matthew 6:16
16 “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.
Matthew 9:15
15 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
We also see in Acts 13:2 that while God's people were worshipping and fasting, they got a directive from the Spirit about ministry to be done.
Acts 3:12
12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?
Whether you’re in the middle of “ministry” life, near the end, or just beginning, this is a good time as we head into Lent to consider asking the Holy Spirit to give you guidance about fasting from certain foods, TV or social media.
It is not so much about showing that you can give these things up – though there is great value in that. It is rather to connect with the life and sacrifice of Jesus and let the Spirit have more time to work on you as you carve out devoted time for God.
Pray, journal or discuss with your micro-group about potential areas of fasting through the upcoming Lenten period.
Discipleship Prayer
Father God, if (or when) I choose to fast, may it be to seek Your will in my life. Help me see this kind of commitment as a privilege to give up “pleasant food” (Daniel 10:3) for Your glory. Give me strong inner and outer discipline to keep this vow to You while I seek You.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 130:7-8
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
Teaching or Command of God
Psalm 42:5
Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
How is your gas tank level when it comes to hope? How do you fill up with hope? How can God help?