And the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, saying, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.” Zechariah 7:8-10
I resume my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book. For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 7:8-10, which the commentary outlines as the third of five divisions for the text 7:1-8:23 (7:1-3/8:18-23, 7:4-7, 7:8-10, 7:11-14, 8:1-17). The commentary provides the following title for this division: Transformed from Pursuing Religion to Pursuing Righteousness. Earlier in Zechariah 7, God challenges His people for performing empty rituals rather than having a heart for Him. This love of Him should direct us to please Him and it pleases Him to be a light to others so that others are drawn to Him. We do this by loving and serving others. Of course this includes avoiding "evil against another in our heart." This is particularly piercing because "in our heart" means that most all of us are guilty of this sin - see also Matthew 5:28 where we Jesus shares that we are not to "look" at others lustfully. We must focus on our heart condition and examine our lives from the inside out - vs a focus on external behaviors and empty rituals that mean nothing to God - see also Matthew 23:25-26.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who gives me the Holy Spirit that lives inside me - transforming me from the inside out - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of my salvation nor blessings such as this. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to and apply Your message for me today and every day.
