August 21, 2023
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Zechariah? Here’s today’s reading:
Zechariah 7 (NIV)
Justice and Mercy, Not Fasting
1 In the fourth year of King Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah on the fourth day of the ninth month, the month of Kislev. 2 The people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-Melek, together with their men, to entreat the Lord 3 by asking the priests of the house of the Lord Almighty and the prophets, “Should I mourn and fast in the fifth month, as I have done for so many years?..…..Continue Reading
Zechariah 7:13 and Romans 1, in a manner of speaking. I am reminded this week in Romans 1 that God’s wrath falls on the unrighteous. How? By cataclysmic natural plagues? Not really, but by “giving them over” to uncleanness, vile affections, a reprobate mind. God doesn’t need to shower fire and brimstone on those who reject Him. All He needs to do, is simply say, “yes. Go for it. Do it.” It never ends well.
In verse 13, God no longer hears. In verse 14, the people reap desolation.
Truly says Scripture, “Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods, wherefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen. Let them them deliver you in your time of tribulation.” Judges 10
God wants us all to return to the the house of God. – gy
This is what the Lord required of the Jewish people. To execute true judgement, and to show mercy and compassions to everyone. Not to oppress the widow, nor the fatherless, nor the poor, and let none of them imagine evil against others in their heart. [ verse 9 ] But instead they blocked their ears so they couldn`t hear God`s voice. As a result they hardened their hearts. Therefore God brought forth His wrath upon them. But with all this rebellious heart of mankind He still sent His Son to die on the cross for the sin of mankind. Only to be saved is a repentant heart and trusting in Jesus. It says in Isaiah 66;2b. [ but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.]
Zechariah 7
God’s main point in this chapter seems to be obedience and our heart motivation. His desire is for us to follow Him and obey His commands but out of love and humility not for any other selfish or prideful reason. Even something like fasting when done to be seen or recognized for doing something “good” becomes sinful because of pride.
Zechariah 7
How many chances God gave the Jews to repent. How often He sent prophets to warn them and encourage them to not only return to the right practice, but the right heart. In spite of all that God did though, they continued to hardened their hearts to Him. They really gave Him no choice but to bring the judgement He warned them He would bring. This is a warning for us too. We need to make sure that our hearts are not far from God especially when our actions look good. As God says here, we can do godly things to please people and gain recognition…but what matters is what is in our hearts and our treatment of the most vulnerable people. It is man that looks at the outward appearance but God looks at our hearts. We too will suffer loss if we harden our hearts to Him. Mostly being deceived that we are close to God when we are not, and then being robbed of His Spirit, His guidance and provision for our lives.
Zechariah 7
What God required doesn’t sound too difficult, even apart from the Spirit.
‘Execute true justice,
Show mercy and compassion
Everyone to his brother.
10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless,
The alien or the poor.
Let none of you plan evil in his heart
Against his brother.’
Zechariah 7