Matthew 6 is part of Jesus’ longest sermon that it is believed, he spoke many times. He outlines three “when you’s” not really up for negotiation. When you give to the poor, when you pray and when you fast. Each of these are between you and the Lord. We are warned to not be like the hypocrites who stand in the synagogues and on the streets so that they will be noticed and honored by all. These three actions will be rewarded by your Father who sees in secret.
If I truly ponder these three “when’s”, I know my life changes. When I give to the poor, I take my eyes off my own need. Horizontal. When I pray, I lift my needs and others up. Vertical. When I fast, I use the time spent with food to pray. I allow my hunger to drive me to pray. To seek the needs of others.
I’m very convicted about all of this. Nothing in Scripture tells me that these three things are not necessary anymore. And what comes up in my mind, what would change by my adherence to all three?
And hear me, my reward is doing all three in secret.
If we look for men’s applause, we have received our reward in full. It’s very easy to fall prey to this, especially with social media. We present ourselves in a positive light and people are wowed. They respond. They like. In many cases, as I have said before, the pictures are not an accurate depiction of our life.
I’ve never caught this before but do you know where the “if” in Matthew 6 is located? During Jesus’ teaching on how to pray in the “Lord’s prayer.” Check it out.
Matthew 6:9-15
”“Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’] For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.“
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.6.9-15.NASB1995
So, IF you forgive. It is not a “when you” forgive. It feels like we have the option to not forgive. What I find so fascinating and I’ve been thinking about this since yesterday morning, forgiveness is public. It involves another party. There is a public nature to forgiveness that is not needed with giving, praying and fasting.
There is a warning that directly follows the “if”, lest we think Jesus is saying we do not need to forgive. We are forgiven when we break the chains that have held us in bondage towards others who have hurt us or caused us pain.
This chapter of Matthew is changing the way I am thinking about my walk with the Lord. I am absolutely convinced this is because I have memorized (haha) and mediated on it for months. I cannot recommend this practice enough.
Much to think upon this Holy Week. Replacing my ways, my thoughts, my patterns for the things of God.
Peace and love, friends.
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