28/05/2026
, JUSTICE AND MERCY, NOT FASTING
Zechariah 7:2-6,9-10 NIV😍
The people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-Melek, together with their men, to entreat the Lord [3] by asking the priests of the house of the LORD Almighty and the prophets, “Should I mourn and fast in the fifth month, as I have done for so many years?” [4] Then the word of the LORD Almighty came to me: [5] “Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted? [6] And when you were eating and drinking, were you not just feasting for yourselves? [9] “This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. [10] Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’
😍Zechariah 7:2–10- Sometimes we tend to show very spiritual – By having fasting and praying. Of course, this is not bad, but look what the Lord says in this verse we have today.
The people asked whether they should continue fasting as they had done for many years. God’s response goes deeper than the question itself. He challenges their motives: Was their fasting really for Him, or had it become an empty religious habit? God makes it clear that what matters most is not outward ritual alone, but a heart that reflects His character.
The Lord calls His people to true justice, mercy, compassion, and care for the vulnerable—the widow, the orphan, the foreigner, and the poor. This reminds us that genuine worship is not just about ceremonies, traditions, or appearances. It is about how we treat others in everyday life. A person can fast, pray, and attend worship, yet still fail to live in love and righteousness.
We are called by the Lord to examine our own faith. Are our acts of devotion drawing us closer to God and making us more loving, fair, and compassionate? God desires a transformed heart more than empty observance. True spirituality is seen in justice, kindness, and mercy toward others. If you don’t care about others, then regardless of how much you fast or quote bible verses publicly, your religion is worthless. Let us make sure to purify our hearts and begin caring for others, especially their salvation. AMEN!
Blessings
Pastor Rey and Ate Ethel 😍