Text: Zechariah 7:1-14.
The people who returned from exile asked Zechariah if they should continue fasting and humbling themselves, as they did during the 70 years of exile.
Actually, Yahweh did not command them to fast. They chose it, probably for self-imposed religious reasons, perhaps hoping that God would return them home sooner. The ones who asked Zechariah were probably weary of doing the fast and hoping it could end. But vv.5-6 show that God saw through their
hypocrisy. The true and proper humbling God’s command is seen in verses 9,10 justice and kindness to others, the great command of Love!
There is nothing wrong with fasting, and Jesus expected that His disciples would fast (Mat.9:15), as long as the motivation is from a heart of love and humility before God and a reminder of one’s dependence upon His grace. Regarding justice and kindness, Jesus’ brother James wrote the same thing in his book, (Jam.1:27). One of the evidences of belonging to Christ is love for one another (Luk.10:30-37; 1 John3:14). As those who belong to Christ, we are to obey the great command to love others (Mat.22:37-40; Gal.5:14), which is what Jesus did for us during His earthly ministry. Treat others as you want to be treated (Mat.7:12).
Meditate on verse 10. How are you going to apply it to your life?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, help me obey Your Word and apply it to
my life. Amen.