READ: Zech. 8:14-23
The question of whether or not to fast with special attention to prayer on certain days is not of great importance to the LORD. The LORD neither commanded nor forbade it. What always matters to Him, both before and after the exile, is living in His covenant, loving Him, and obeying His Word.
The LORD responds with punishment when His people persist in sin without repentance, as they did before the exile. But He will respond with His blessing if they walk in His ways and refrain from doing what He detests.
This includes (v.17): speaking the truth and rendering fair judgments that promote peace, refraining from devising evil against one’s neighbor, and not swearing false oaths.
Under these conditions, days of fasting and mourning can even turn into joyful feast days. This was fulfilled on earth with the coming of Christ and the outpouring of His Spirit—what a celebration! Christmas, Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost all commemorate the liberation from the guilt of sin.
In Christ, truth and peace have come, not only for Israel but also for the Gentiles (v.22, Eph. 2:14ff). In His fellowship, there will always be cause for joy (1 Thess. 5:16). The glorious influx of believers from the Gentiles is described in verse 23 as follows: one Jewish man will have ten people from various nations following him, eager to serve the LORD with him.
This prophecy is fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost when Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from many other nations plead with Peter and his companions, saying: “Brothers, what shall we do?” When Peter calls them to repentance, 3,000 people are baptized that day!
What, then, is the church’s greatest attraction? It is not that everything happens spontaneously or that it is simply a pleasant gathering. No, it is written: “We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” A life that reflects the Lord—being a shining light and a preserving salt—makes others long for Him (Matt. 5:13-16).
What brings you the greatest joy on earth?
Singing: Ps. 122:1