Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
After Zechariah's strange visions, we turn to a powerful and thought-provoking sermon. During the 70 years of exile, the people of Bethel have religiously fasted in commemoration of the Temple's destruction. Should they carry on, they ask, as it's now being rebuilt? Zechariah's answer is fascinating: speaking with God's authority, he tells them their fasts 'were not in honour of me', and that when they broke their fasts 'it was for their own satisfaction' (verses 5–6). He follows up this rebuke by reminding them of God's commands to show 'kindness and mercy' to one another, and not to oppress widows, orphans, foreigners or anyone else in need (verses 9–10). These they have failed to keep.
There are some very rich ideas here. Traditions can get fossilised; we do what we do just because we do it, and it ceases to have any real meaning. Or perhaps we get trapped in a pattern of regret, continually harking back to what we've lost and unable to look forward with hope. Perhaps the experiences that have crushed us make us bitter and hostile to others, rather than warm and open-hearted. We might preserve the form of faith, but our theory doesn't turn into a transformative practice.
For any and all of these reasons, Zechariah's words ring true: the people's fasting was for themselves, not for the LORD. God is not interested in rituals that don't spring from the heart, and feed the soul.
God, speak to my heart; warm me with the fire of your love. Fill me with hope in your future, and give me a spirit of kindness to others.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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