“They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD Almighty had sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the LORD Almighty was very angry.”
This is one of the best, most succinct descriptions of how false worship of God destroys families, churches and countries. The people had sent some men to ask the prophet Zechariah (whose ministry was to those rebuilding the temple with Ezra) if they should fast in the fifth month as they have done for years. Roughly translated to our times the question would be – Should I observe Lent this year as part of my religious life before God? The answer from God is a challenge to their hearts and should challenge us. Why are you doing these things, was it really for God? If you want to do something for Me- try OBEDIENCE! Try showing MERCY and COMPASSION to each other which is true JUSTICE! Try HELPING widows and orphans and foreigners and poor people! Try OBEDIENCE! At Parkdale we state the message of this chapter this way; Know the Word- Obey the Word- Live a Life of Love! Why is our church and churches across Ontario in a state of decline? We are doing what the Israelites did thousands of years before us, to the detriment of our families, our churches and our communities.
May we tell Him with one voice that we will obey Him today.
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