Zechariah 5-7 And What About Tradition?

After receiving his remaining visions from God, Zechariah was tasked with answering a question.  While the Jews were in Babylon, they’d added four new fasts to commemorate sad events related to the destruction of Jerusalem.  Now that the Temple was rebuilt, several religious leaders came to him to inquire whether they needed to continue a fast that commemorated the Temple’s destruction.

Zechariah gave them some news they hadn’t expected.  He questioned their motives for fasting and feasting – whether it was being done to honor God or strictly out of tradition.  He questioned whether they were going through outward motions instead of honoring the Lord from their hearts.  “To institute four fasts because of the tragedies that occurred in Jerusalem, and yet not repent because of the sins that caused these tragedies, was to miss the whole purpose of God’s discipline,” my commentary said.  “History reveals that it’s a difficult thing for many people to break with tradition.  It’s easier to have a religion of habit than a religion of the heart.”

Father, guide me to not make my worship of You be based on tradition.  Give me a thankful and responsive heart that helps me to obey You for Your glory and for nothing else.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford