Day 270

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Special Feasts: Rejoicing (8:18-23)!

Scripture

September 26—Zechariah 7-8: Fasting or Faithfulness?

Observation

Which is more important: fasting or faithfulness? Outward observance or inward attitude of heart? Zechariah speaks to the issue in four moving messages on the subject of fasting. He reminds the people that it is more important how they live than how they fast. God is looking for those who will exercise truth and love in their daily affairs. Just as there would come a time when the nation could no longer fast (while in exile in Babylon), there would likewise come a time when the nation would no longer need to fast (in the righteous reign of the coming Messiah).

Application

A close friend shares with you a personal sorrow. How do you respond? Another friend is elated with a recent promotion. What do you say when you hear of it? A fellow employee with whom you have never gotten along well comes to you asking your forgiveness. What is your first reaction?

In each case there is a response appropriate to the relationship. Friends should be quick to share burdens and blessings. Those forgiven of an offense should be quick to forgive the offenses of others. But that is not always the way it is!

Consider the nation of Judah. Though forgiven for her frequent transgressions, the nation refused to respond to God's mercy. Though delivered from the oppression of surrounding nations, she continued to oppress her own "widows, orphans, foreigners and poor people" (7:10). Though repeatedly confronted by the Word of God, the people refused to alter their wicked ways.

Look up the following passages to discover what else God has said about the kind of response he expects from his children: Matthew 6:14-15; John 13:34-35; Romans 12:1. Read carefully and then respond.

Prayer

Father, help us not to give up meeting together and praying together with other believers for we know assembling is closely connected with the Bible. We take delight in the hearing and sharing of the Word so that we can live a Godly life and impress on unbelievers the knowledge that they too can live in harmony with you through your Word. O Lord, help us to spread your truth and love throughout this dark and sinful world and so too that our leaders will make decisions based on your truth and love. We pray this in your merciful and loving name, our Savior, Jesus Christ! Amen!

Spread Truth and Love!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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