Zechariah 7-8
Empty Religious Rituals – Zechariah 7
Darius was now the king and 2 years had passed since the rebuilding of the temple started. A delegation from Bethel asked the priests if they should mourn and fast as they had done for so many years. God redirected their question by asking a question. Were they doing the fasting for themselves or for Him? God desires justice, mercy, and compassion, not outward displays of religious . These fasts were not commanded by God, but made up by man.
The people responded with God’s past mercies by their disobedience. They neglected obedience everyday making their fasting hypocritical. God wanted them to execute true justice, show mercy and compassion. He wanted them to not oppress the widows and the fatherless, the alien or the poor and not to plan evil in their hearts against their brothers.
Principle: We are to execute true justice and show mercy and compassion.
Jerusalem Restored – Zechariah 8
God responded to Zion (Jerusalem) saying He is very jealous for them. This statement of being jealous means He has a passionate concerned for His people. He said He will return to Zion and dwell in their midst. Because of His presence the city will be transformed into a place of truth and holiness. When God’s presence is real in our lives, we become holy people and people of truth.
The repeated phrase,“This is what the Lord Almighty says” tell what God promises His people:
Gen. 12:1-3 confirms the promise given to Abraham. God will make him a great nation, will bless him, will bless those who bless him and whoever curses him He will curse and all people on earth will be blessed through him.
The Lord said that He hates when we plot evil against our neighbors and when we lie. He calls us to love truth and peace.
He answered the question posed in Zech. 7:3 about fasting. He said the fasts of the 4th, 5th, 7th, and the 10th months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah.
God turns mourning, grief and sorrow into joy by giving us comfort and hope. Just knowing that He is working behind the scenes in the middle of our suffering and knowing His ultimate promise of eternal life gives comfort and hope.
We can find joy in our heaviest burdens if we just remember what Jesus endured and how we found comfort in the presence of God. He was betrayed, beaten, and suffered agony of the cross because He knew the joy that awaited Him. The same Spirit that gave Jesus joy can reside in us. We can go to Him in prayer and ask that He fill us with joy and comfort. Invite Him to work in your life and produce joy that overflows.
The Lord describes the future when many nations and peoples will recognize His presence with the Jewish people. Many will seek to join with them in worshiping the Lord. Many different nations will be represented and will come to Jerusalem and will encourage others.
Principle: Because God has promised to bless us, we should be a blessing to others.
Resources:
Next week we will continue our study in Zechariah. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
__________________________________________
If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below.
No comments:
Post a Comment