Day 9 – The Pitfalls of Empty Fasting

“We are a culture of abundance that indulges and abuses—fasting is a means of God’s grace to embrace someone greater than our appetites.”

–Keyan Soltani

Today, we will consider the question, “Can fasting go wrong?”

One of the most spoken-about passages concerning fasting is Isaiah 58. 

In this chapter, we see a vivid picture of fasting, including “empty” fasting—not about connecting with God, aligning with His will, or respecting His authority—but about outward appearance and the “show” of holiness.

The people of Israel were outwardly doing the right things, “day after day” they sought the Lord, and they fasted. But they were not doing it to glorify God but to be seen as glorifying God. There’s a profound difference!

As a little child acting up to get their parents’ attention, saying, “Did you see me?”—they seemed annoyed that they weren’t noticed doing their good deed, even questioning the point of doing it at all if no one saw them. In Isaiah 58, God gently but firmly pointed out to the Israelites that they were completely missing the point and also listed their disturbing behaviors, which displayed their true condition:

“Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?” (Isaiah 58:3-5)

In modern terms, this Scripture might be the equivalent of our church services looking great. The musicians are leading vibrant worship, the lights are great, the coffee is rich and smooth, and the pastor’s sermon is so good it’s like Paul himself is standing at the lectern. Yet backstage, in the parking lot, and even in the rows in the church, there is gossip, backbiting, unresolved hurt, and unforgiveness.

The veneer is shiny, but under the surface, it’s no different from the world around us. Our fasting must not be an insincere tradition we carry out. If we want to build a genuine relationship with our Lord, we won’t do it if we forgo taking a hard look at ourselves and ridding ourselves of impure motives and behaviours while we fast.

Biblical fasting is abstinence from consuming food. Modern fasting is still predominately abstinence from food (in various methods). Additionally, many Christians abstain from spiritually misplaced priorities. Maybe for you, it is the draw of social media, doom-scrolling your way through the evening. Or it could be something else entirely. If a behaviour takes precedence over the Word of God and connected, intimate time with the Lord, then it’s time to reflect on its place in your life and trade it in for what truly matters—a heart devoted to Jesus Christ.

Fasting is an intimate connection between you and the Lord. It’s not for show, and it’s not to be done because others are doing it. Scripture says we should even avoid looking like we’re fasting:

“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.” (Matthew 6:16 NLT)

Today, we’ve learned to avoid a misguided attitude about fasting and are reminded that our hearts need to be right in our pursuit of readying ourselves for Easter. The Lord suffered for us to have freedom and His great gift of salvation deserves our respect and awe.

Tomorrow, we’ll open the door to see spiritual blessings that come from fasting with a properly postured heart.

Let’s pray.

Lord, I’m sorry for the times when I have just gone through the motions. Help me to align with Your will today. Show me the ways I have missed the mark and lead me toward a better way, a higher way, Your way.

Amen.

You can access all of the Reflection and Awe: Lent’s Purpose series here.

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