The people wanted to know. They wanted to know if they should continue fasting in the fifth month as they had been doing for so long. The response they received....
"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 orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another." (Zech 7:8-10 NIV)
It is the beginning of a new year; a time when many decide that they will give up; they will fast from things that they have been indulging in that were harmful to themselves. They plan to change their lives for the better. How about if instead of giving up something (fasting) to make our own lives better; the change takes place in the form of adding something to our lives to make the lives of others better? Things like reaching out to others. Instead of ignoring the person you meet on the street; greet them with the peace of God. Instead of gossiping about the single woman down the street who is trying to raise her children by herself; you get to really know her and support her and her children? How about we pray for those whom we think are our enemies rather than persecute them publicly? I wonder what would happen in and to the world around us if we used (fasted) a bit more of our time and energy in showing a little more kindness and mercy.
I know, I've suggested these types of changes (resolutions) a thousand times and some may wish I'd quit suggesting it, already. Many hear; others refuse to unstop their ears. It is the same for many today as it was when Zechariah relayed God's message to the people in captivity. "But they refused to listen, and turned a stubborn shoulder, and stopped their ears in order not to hear." (Zech 7:11)
Unstop your ears. Listen, to the word of the LORD. Live showing kindness and mercy that it may be well with you and with your neighbor.
God's Peace - Pr. J
"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 orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another." (Zech 7:8-10 NIV)
It is the beginning of a new year; a time when many decide that they will give up; they will fast from things that they have been indulging in that were harmful to themselves. They plan to change their lives for the better. How about if instead of giving up something (fasting) to make our own lives better; the change takes place in the form of adding something to our lives to make the lives of others better? Things like reaching out to others. Instead of ignoring the person you meet on the street; greet them with the peace of God. Instead of gossiping about the single woman down the street who is trying to raise her children by herself; you get to really know her and support her and her children? How about we pray for those whom we think are our enemies rather than persecute them publicly? I wonder what would happen in and to the world around us if we used (fasted) a bit more of our time and energy in showing a little more kindness and mercy.
I know, I've suggested these types of changes (resolutions) a thousand times and some may wish I'd quit suggesting it, already. Many hear; others refuse to unstop their ears. It is the same for many today as it was when Zechariah relayed God's message to the people in captivity. "But they refused to listen, and turned a stubborn shoulder, and stopped their ears in order not to hear." (Zech 7:11)
Unstop your ears. Listen, to the word of the LORD. Live showing kindness and mercy that it may be well with you and with your neighbor.
God's Peace - Pr. J
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