Daily Devotion for March 8 - Matthew 6:16 - 18

 

Verse

Matthew 6:16-18 – "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."

Meditation

Fasting, like prayer and almsgiving, is meant to be a matter of the heart, not a performance for the eyes of men. Jesus warns against the hypocrisy of those who disfigure themselves to gain admiration for their piety. True fasting flows from humility and repentance, not from a desire for human recognition. To fast rightly is to seek the face of God in secret, entrusting the results to Him. The Father who sees in secret promises to reward those who sincerely seek Him. This reward is not the admiration of men, but the mercy of God, the strengthening of faith, and the deepening of dependence upon Him. The Christian does not fast to manipulate God or impress others, but to discipline the body and focus the soul on the things of heaven. Such fasting is hidden from the world, but precious in the sight of God. It is an act of contrition and devotion, seeking not to earn favor but to conform oneself to the cross of Christ.

Old Testament

Joel 2:12-13 – "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments."'

The prophet calls for a fast of the heart, not merely of the body. True fasting is not outward show but inward repentance and trust in God’s mercy.

Collect

O Lord, who see and know the hidden intentions of every heart, grant that our fasting may be done in humility and sincerity, that, seeking Your face in secret, we may find our true reward in Your mercy, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Verse

“Jesus, grant that balm and healing
In Your holy wounds I find,
Every hour that I am feeling
Pains of body and of mind.
Should some evil thought within
Tempt my treach’rous heart to sin,
Show the peril, and from sinning
Keep me from its first beginning.” (LSB 421:1)