Intro: Our 2024 Lenten Fast

Fasting is religion.

Religion is life-giving communal devotion towards God.

Whereas rote, religious box checking — better called religiosity — is life-taking devotion towards self and man.

Jesus spoke to the religious Jews during his sermon on the mount. In it, he spent a short time on some of fasting’s best practices.

“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. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 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.”

Matthew 6:16-18

First, the payoff: Jesus promises our father in heaven will reward us when he sees our religion. This reward is eternal life and love in the forever worship of God.

Second, this teaching does not mean we should not fast together nor let our fasting be known to others. It means our fast should not be about appearing religious before others. It should be about being religious before God.

Indeed, God very much wants and expects his covenant people’s religion — including their fasting — to happen together. We see this demonstrated throughout holy scripture and church tradition.

Yes, our father who sees us in secret gives us an eternal, spiritual reward.

But we can learn from the people of God who have, throughout history, fasted in search of God’s favor in this material life while waiting for the spiritual life to come.

There is something unique about the search for favor when God’s people fast.

Fasting is almost always done — and advised to be done — with a heart of repentance.

A sincere approach to the God of creation must come with a sincere humbling of his creatures. To be sure, our surrender in repentance is not about giving up but about trading up.

Jesus goes on in his sermon on the mount to teach,

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Matthew 6:33

As we move into the Lenten season, may we move with a penitent heart, such that we put our priorities in proper order.

May we exalt the Lord of Lords and humble ourselves to receive what he has for us.

May we die daily to the desires of the flesh, that we rise with our resurrected King.

We pray this six-week devotion to fast and pray will draw us his church nearer to him in the worship and enjoyment under his righteous Kingdom rule of love.

Look for a new scripture and prayer prompt each Wednesday morning during lent to lead us in our fast.

For six weeks, we will begin each 24-hour food fast after lunch on Wednesday, and we will go until lunch on Thursday, say from noon to noon.

If you cannot commit to those exact days or times, we urge you to define a plan to which you can commit.

By the goodness of God our father, our fast will culminate with a feast at Easter.

And, by the promise of Christ the son and his victory over the grave, our fasting in this life will turn to feasting in the life to come.

Proclaim Christ exalted.