Stress Test Devotional May 25
May 25, 2024
And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast and pray, as do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.”
Within Judaism, fasting was used to express sorrow, contrition, or need. But the Pharisees had begun to fast simply for its own merit—two times a week, on Monday and on Thursday. The disciples of John had reason to fast and pray because their leader was currently in prison. (Herod, tetrarch of Galilee had arrested John for criticizing him for divorcing Phasaelis and unlawfully marrying Herodias, the wife of his brother.) Fasting can make room for prayer and devotion, refocusing the mind away from the body’s needs and desires and toward things spiritual and holy. It can remind us of our fragility and dependence, and help us be grateful for God’s provision. But, like any spiritual practice, it can lead to pride, as we feel superior to those who have not taken on such a regimen of self-discipline. In the same way, in our day the super fit may secretly feel superior to those who have not achieved peak performance.
Prayer
Gracious God, may all my spiritual practices lead to humility and graciousness. Remove from me any hidden attitudes of superiority related to my achievement, appearance, or status. Let me know my need for you. I ask in the name of Jesus who was humble and lowly in heart. Amen.
