Reading
SAA Notes
This chapter searches out our worship practices – fervency, orthodoxy and excellence are all no substitute for hearts, hands and tongues that bow to the Father’s way and will. Think about v.9, 10. Are our deeds this week bitter or sweet?
SJA Notes
* Mighty God, please break our hard hearts and put our stubborn wills to flight today as we read Your word.
“But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear. They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the LORD of hosts had sent by His spirit through the former prophets.”
Stubborn wills and hard hearts.
Throughout scripture we see that God’s people themselves can do terrible things when they turn from Him, when they reject Him.
God’s commands are true judgements, to show kindness and mercy, to take care of the widow and the fatherless, the sojourner and the poor.
Yet God’s people refused in Zechariah’s time.
What of us today?
If we think we are somehow “more better” by dint of being alive this side of Jesus, let us be careful.
As with then, so with now – The evil one prowls around like a lion, seeking who he can devour.
Are we stubbornly refusing to hear God’s word today?
Are our hearts hardened against His commands?
Healthy and important questions to continue to ask through all our lives.
* Dear Father God,
Thank You for rescuing us, saving us from our sin.
Please mark us as a people faithful to You, resisting evil, striving for true humility, standing in Your strength, Your mercy, Your love.
Thank You for Jesus!
Amen.