Command: do not look gloomy, but wash when you fast
Matthew 6:16-17
16 “Now whenever you fast, do not make a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they [l]distort their faces so that they will be noticed by people when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 17 But as for you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18so that your fasting will not be noticed by people but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
Command context: Matthew 6:16-18
Story: God’s fast (Isaiah)
Isaiah 58:1-12
Audio Message:
When meditating on the commands and stories, keep these questions in mind:
- What do I learn about God, Jesus, and/or the Holy Spirit?
- What do I learn about man/ people?
- What troubles or bothers me? What does the Holy Spirit reveal to me in light of this?
- How does the command connect to the story?
- What is God saying to me (or what should I obey) & what am I going to do about it?
- Do I have any fears, doubts, or resistance in keeping this command?
- What does this command reveal about the condition of my heart – what do I really believe and what do I really want?
