Sometimes convictions can come in the smallest details in the scripture.
"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." Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV)
Reading these few verses in Matthew quickly, it's easy to miss. But sometimes the Holy Spirit can make a few words jump out more than others.
For me, today, it's that very first word.
When.
Not if you fast.
When you fast.
Here, Jesus is not teaching us to fast (as in we should,) he is assuming we are fasting and then teaching us how to do it with the correct attitude.
Fasting is not a popular discipline. In fact, the number one reason I personally hear people (including myself) say they don't is because "I don't get anything out of it."
But maybe that's the point. We go without food for a period of time to devote ourselves more to prayer or reading the word. And maybe we see the benefits right away, or maybe we don't. But the very fact that the lack of "instant gratification" prevents us from trying again should probably be telling us we have some work to do.
Our very avoidance of fasting is a symptom that we should be doing it.
Yeah.. one word from Jesus can just shoot right to the heart.
