The Banquet Table
April 24, 2024
When the heart fasts
August 09, 2018
“Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance in order to be seen fasting by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that you may not be seen fasting by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you. - MATTHEW 6:16-18
Pharisees love fanfare. In the era of Christ’s Incarnation, they whitened their faces to make themselves look gaunt so everyone would admire their “spirituality.” Flaunted “religion” flourishes today, everywhere. You see it in religious types who contrive sacred-sounding speech, environmental activists “sacrificing” for the rain forest, politicians advertising their concern for the “little guy,” and celebrities rationalizing support of indecency as their “contribution” to free speech.
It may be appropriate to fast physically now and then, but there ought to be a more frequent fast of the heart. One way is through an “electronic media fast.” Our church was challenged some years to ago to lay off media for a certain period. That meant the glut of information, propaganda, empty chatter and mindless programming was laid aside.
Hearing God rather than talking heads became the priority. For me, it was fabulous. Heart-fasting is truly secret but it becomes evident in your enhanced countenance and witness.
TODAY’S FOCUS
Consider an electronic media-fast. Ask the Lord for guidance in carrying it out and for clarity in hearing Him.
