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Zechariah
On December 4, 518 BC, a question arose in Jerusalem about fasting. The temple was more than halfway (give or take) completed. The act of fasting, designed to be sacred and honoring to the Lord, had turned into an act of hypocrisy, dishonoring the Lord. Fasting was being observed for themselves. One commentator said, "… when we cling to the memory of sin or tragedy in the past, we may do it out of simple self-indulgence. We may do it for ourselves, not for the Lord."
The hearts of God's people were not right before the Lord, and therefore their rituals weren't either. Everyday obedience would make their sacrifice of fasting more sacred, but they neglected the everyday obedience, which made their fasting hypocritical, useless and selfish. God wants us to listen and obey; He wants our hearts! Praise God for the prophet Zechariah, calling God's people to true worship and obedience.
1. Is there a time in your life when you clearly felt that God was telling you to do something? Did you obey?
2. Is there sin in your life that you need to confess to the Lord first and then to another in the effort to provide accountability?
Prayer: God, thank You for calling out our sins. Thank You that Your Word is quick and sharper than any double-edged sword. Father, I confess the things I do for myself and not for You. Teach me to obey You.
