Not for men, but for God

Sermon on fasting, praying and giving before men (Matt 6:1-8, 14-16)

After the fast comes the feast. After the day of atonement, when Israel was to afflict their souls, came the feast of tabernacles, a day of high joy. After Moses fasted on Sinai, God gave him the law. After Esther fasted and interceded, there was great feasting at the salvation of the Jews. After Jesus fasts for 40 days in the wilderness and is tempted, angels come and minister to Him. After Jesus was deprived of God’s fellowship on the cross, He was exalted to the highest place. After we repent of our sins, we are brought into God’s presence, and seated at His table. The purpose of the fast is to express your desire to be closer to God.

At this feast, be careful to purify your motives. Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. We don’t partake because we are righteous enough to do so, but because we know we need mercy. Do not take a perverse pride in your being reconciled enough with all to partake. We believe it is right to partake weekly of the Supper. Receive that from the Lord, not condemning others or priding yourself in it. We believe it is right for our children to partake. That doesn’t make them better than other children for doing so. We believe we ought to take note of Christ’s body, the church, at the supper. But we partake not to be seen by men, but to receive grace from, and express faith in our heavenly father.

Instead, we come with a submissive will to the Father, with trust in His Son to atone for our sins, with joy in the Spirit who assures us we are beloved of the Father.

7/5/09