September 28

Zechariah 7 & 8
Ezra 6: 14 – 22

1. People ask how to be religious.
The construction work of the new temple continues in Jerusalem. The people of Bethel are now inquiring of God how to follow certain religious practices. Through Zechariah, God is quick to remind them that like their forefathers did, fasting simply for their own sake, instead of for God, is not right. Subsequently, as a hint for what the result of true fasting should be, God asks the people to:
-administer justice
-to show mercy
-to show compassion
-not to oppress the needy
-not to carry evil in their hearts

2. God tells the people how to be faithful.
This is not a time for the people in Israel to focus on themselves. God declares to His people that this is the time of His restoration for their land and their lives. He will dwell among them. He promises long lives filled with truth. He asks them to have faith and not be afraid, to be strong and to continue the work of rebuilding the temple. He promises them that they will observe fasts joyfully.

What do God's people do? They listen to their God and they follow His word! What a delight! What is then the result of their faithfulness? They have JOY. Notice that the word joy is repeated 3 times in today's reading. The workers finish the temple and everyone in Israel celebrates the occasion with joy, followed by, again, joyful celebration of the Passover.

In the same way which God brought restoration to His Israel and His temple, He brings restoration in our lives today. He often asks us to be faithful and labor for Him. He promises joy in our hearts as a result. He tests every motive we have, not so that He can blame us, but so that He can restore us and fill us with peace and joy.

Praying that we invite God's restoration in our lives and hope in His promise of joy.