Read: Zechariah 7
Chapter 7 of
Zechariah is a very, very humbling chapter. We don’t always like “rebukes”, but
God does discipline those He loves. This is merciful, as it saves us from
judgment later on. The context is simple -
some people from north of Jerusalem come to see Zechariah and they have
what seems like a very basic question about fasting (7:1-3). Very likely they
anticipated an easy answer. However, Zechariah, in response, proceeds to
deliver an incredibly challenging word from God! He tells them that their
fasting AND feasting are very selfish, rather
than God-centered and other-centered (7:4-7). He makes it clear that what
God is looking for is specific actions from a wholehearted devotion to Him. Here is a list of some of what He expects:
a) Justice
b) Mercy & compassion towards others
c) No oppression of the widow, fatherless, foreigner or poor
d) No wrong thoughts of others (7:8-10).
Obviously
things weren’t quite as good as God’s people thought! Zechariah knew that the
Israelites had not responded in the past because of the hardness of their
hearts, which resulted in punishment (7:11-14). We too must carefully consider
if we are right before God, as just doing “religious stuff” and “church stuff”
isn’t sufficient. The Judge of all knows our hearts! If we will not listen, He
will not listen to us (7:13).
Prayer and Journaling
1. Journal
about your journey with fasting and godly celebrations (i.e. Easter). Ask the
Lord – have these been done with His heart, or selfishly? Ask Him to speak to
you about future fasting and feasting. How can God be loved in these, and
others shown compassion?
2. Ask
God to speak to you about this question - do you show mercy and compassion
towards others? Think of your spouse, your co-workers, extended family, your
neighbours.
3. Ask
God to speak to you about the widow, fatherless, foreigner and poor in your
life, even if you have brief contact with them. Are you judgmental in any way?
Racist? Do you “put feet” to your love through use of the time, money and
energy God has given you to help the poor or immigrant or fatherless?
