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.
Matthew 6:16
They did it to show others that no one could do religious rituals like they could. They did it to show to others that they were the real deal when it came to the religious business. If you want to be seen to be in touch with the divine, then look no further.
This particular act of propriety and piety was particularly noteworthy. This act of fasting. This act of afflicting the soul through the depriving the flesh of consuming food. This could not just be a private and individual activity. No. This had to be a public pronouncement with all the theatrical accompaniment. The look had to be on point. The bedraggled look, that mournful look, that look that tells the world that they are in such mortal and moral agony. People better recognise the holy ones when they see it, because they are our here doing the holy works to the max.
It’s interesting how certain acts don’t carry weight and kudos unless it’s done on a public platform. It’s almost as though if the world doesn’t sit up and pay attention then the efforts are pointless. The big pity is that when it comes to the act of righteousness that is fasting, it’s really not about having a big audience at all. Indeed the focus of the fast is for the audience of One.
With that focus in mind, there’s no need for the public performance. With the father as the focus, there is more of an intimate and internal dialogue taking place. The act of putting the body in a position of doing without what it needs is done in a bid to focus on what is needed to be human – the Creator Himself. Only that communication with the Father gets to the heart of the matter. So to the outside world, things might be carrying on as usual. As far as others are concerned there could be no difference in your regular activities. It’s not primarily their business – it’s the Father’s.
Fasting is for the Father’s business. That whole prayer that was taught by the King about prioritising the Kingdom and looking for its expression on earth reflecting heaven motivates fasting. Restoration of right relationships, relieving the burdens of others, addressing the injustices that suffocate, bringing about the righteousness and peace found in the word of the Father and His presence. This is what drives fasting, makes it such a pressing and pivotal part of the path that’s walked with the Lord. With that focus on the Father comes the reassurance of His presence with you through it and the reassurance that He hears and answers what ever issues we unburden to Him as we share what’s going on.
In some areas the focus on the Father in fasting has become almost an optional extra. In some places it has become a functional practice that is done out of obligation and the ritual routine. In some sections of the Christian society it’s not even recognised at all. The King in outlining the role of fasting essentially says that such perspectives are at best dangerous.
Will we dismiss the role of fasting in one extreme? Or will we parade our fasting to give others the impression of just how super spiritual we are? Will we use fasting as though it’s a badge of honour to present to God as though it gives us a pass to get whatever we demand from Him? Will we focus on everything and everyone except the Father when it comes to fasting?
Or will we hear, obey and teach others to observe what King Jesus says?
(Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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