Reflections of the Past: A Call to True Fasting and Justice

Zechariah 7 serves as a timeless reminder of God's yearning for genuine devotion, rooted in justice, compassion, and love, rather than ritualistic practices. The pursuit of a truly righteous life, it reminds us, is far more important than mere religious formalities.

Call and Question from Bethel (Verses 1-3)

On the fourth day of the ninth month, in the fourth year of King Darius’s reign, a message from the Lord came to Zechariah. Representatives from Bethel, Sharezer, and Regem-Melech and his men, came to inquire whether they should continue the fast and mourning in the fifth month, as they have done for many years.

A Word from God: True Fasting (Verses 4-7)

God answers their query not directly, but with a question, highlighting their flawed approach to fasting. He points out their insincerity, asking whether they were truly fasting for Him or for their own self-interest. He references the warnings from earlier prophets about living with justice, mercy, and compassion.

A Call to Justice and Compassion (Verses 8-10)

The word of the Lord comes again to Zechariah, reiterating the importance of true justice, mercy, and compassion. God commands not to oppress the widow, the fatherless, the stranger, or the poor; and not to harbor malicious thoughts against one another.

The Stubbornness of Israel and its Consequences (Verses 11-14)

Despite these instructions, the Israelites refused to listen, stubbornly turning a deaf ear and hardening their hearts. As a result, God's wrath was kindled, and He scattered them among the nations, leaving their land desolate.

Zechariah Chapter 7 explores the issue of true devotion versus ritualistic practices in the context of historical Israel. The chapter is an insightful discourse on the principles of genuine worship, the importance of social justice, and a call for introspection about the roots of obedience and disobedience to God's commandments.

Hypocrisy and Genuine Worship
Social Justice and Compassion
History and Consequences
Repentance and ReformationFasting and Religion
Divine Displeasure
Social Responsibility
Israel’s Disobedience
True PietyProphet Zechariah
The Israelites
Bethel Sharezer
Regem-Melech and his men
The ProphetsBethel
Jerusalem

1. What are the dangers of practicing religious rituals without genuine devotion as depicted in Zechariah 7?

2. How does the message in Zechariah 7 about true fasting and justice apply to our lives today?

3. Compare the form of fasting practiced by the Israelites in Zechariah 7 with the concept of fasting in modern Christianity.

4. Reflect on God's response to the inquiry from Bethel. What does it teach us about the intention behind our acts of worship?

5. How does Zechariah 7 challenge your understanding of social justice in the context of faith?

6. Reflect on a time when you acted with justice, mercy, and compassion, as advised in Zechariah 7. How did it feel, and what impact did it have on others?

7. What are some practical ways we can avoid “hardening our hearts” as the Israelites did?

8. How does Zechariah 7 guide us in treating strangers, the poor, widows, and the fatherless?

9. How does God's response to the Israelites' disobedience resonate with contemporary issues in society?

10. How can we apply the teachings of Zechariah 7 in our daily lives, particularly in regard to true piety and social responsibility?

11. What lessons can churches today learn from Zechariah 7 about the nature of true worship?

12. How can we ensure our acts of piety, like fasting, are sincere and not just for outward show?

13. Reflect on the consequences of Israel's stubbornness in Zechariah 7. How can we learn from their mistakes?

14. In what ways does Zechariah 7 emphasize the importance of inward change over outward rituals?

15. How can Zechariah 7 inspire us to be more compassionate in our dealings with others?

16. How can you personally respond to the call to justice and compassion in Zechariah 7?

17. How does God's anger at Israel's stubbornness and their subsequent punishment relate to concepts of divine justice?

18. How does the question God asks about who the people were truly fasting for challenge our perceptions of religious practices?

19. Reflect on the way the Israelites ignored the prophets' warnings. How does this relate to ignoring warnings or signs in your own life?

20. What changes would you make in your life after reading and reflecting on Zechariah 7?