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Fasting.
The verses follow do not lay down for fasting either as to the frequency or any special
time when it should be done. But when a fast was undertaken, then, as with other things
that have been mentioned, there must be no ostentation. There was no rigid law; in fact
we are told at this time the disciples did not fast and the Lord explains why (Matt. 9: 14;
Mark 2: 18).
Again warning is given about the Pharisees and their sanctimonious ways:
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces
to show they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But
when you fast, put oil on your head and wash you face, so that it will not be obvious to
men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, Who is unseen; and your Father, Who
sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (6: 16-18, N.I.V.).
Treasures in heaven.
In this section (6: 19-34) we find another triplet. There are divisions: the heavenly
treasure (19-21), the single eye (22, 23), the banishment of anxiety (29-34).
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and
where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where
moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where
your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (6: 19-21, N.I.V.).
There is a play on words here in the Greek, for literally it is "treasure not for
yourselves treasures" and Wycliffe renders it "do not treasure to you treasures". These
would be stored normally in houses with mud walls that could be easily broken through
by thieves or "dug through" as the original has it. Even if free from thieves, there was
always rust which corrodes and ruins. But in God's care and keeping the real treasures
are for ever secure and then comes the important statement that "where your treasure is,
your heart will be". The two interact on one another. Our hearts or minds will be drawn
upwards if we treasure the eternal things which are safe in heaven.
On the other hand if our minds are bent on earthly things, that is where they will be
fixed. Earthly things are linked with materialism, and this is the great god that is
worshipped today and by which everything is measured. The Lord warned:
"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not
consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12: 15, N.I.V.).
Would that this was blazed abroad today. Millions could be saved from deception and
continued disappointment if they would only heed these words!--for it is generally
believed that lasting happiness is bound up with plenty of money and possessions!
The Lord now proceeds to the "single eye". The eye is called "single" in a moral
sense. The Jew often used it in this way, a good eye signifying generosity and an evil eye