This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other. Zechariah 7:9-10 (Zechariah 7-8, Ezra 6:14-22)
Haggai resets Israel’s priorities, Zechariah challenged their motives. God’s Law is to be observed, it is obedience, but God soon reminds these confused people that it isn’t strict adherence to empty ritual that brings righteousness, particularly, the fasting done on certain festivals and celebrations. Drawing closer to God by consciously sacrificing our human appetite, and filling it with worship, because God is the source of Salvation, is the true motive for religious rites. Moral living and dedication to social justice is evidence of sincere worship.
God will bless all of humanity with a gift of the Final Sacrifice, His son Jesus. Build a place of reverence and honor to the One True God, a beacon for a lost and hurting world, but your heart must be set apart, different, Holy and God must find it a suitable place to dwell.
Happy Weekend,
Gretchen