Rituals >Justice, Mercy, and Kindness

Zechariah 7:3-10

They were to ask this question of the prophets and the priests at the Temple of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies: “Should we continue to mourn and fast each summer on the anniversary of the Temple’s destruction,^[c] as we have done for so many years?”

⁴ The Lord of Heaven’s Armies sent me this message in reply: ⁵ “Say to all your people and your priests, ‘During these seventy years of exile, when you fasted and mourned in the summer and in early autumn,^[d] was it really for me that you were fasting? ⁶ And even now in your holy festivals, aren’t you eating and drinking just to please yourselves?

⁸ Then this message came to Zechariah from the Lord: ⁹ “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. ¹⁰ Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other.

 

Religious Rituals < Justice, Mercy, and Kindness

Sacrifice < Justice, Mercy, and Kindness

The Lord cares more about our hearts filled with justice, mercy and kindness rather than repeatedly doing our “rituals” and “sacrifices” offered "for the Lord.” 

 

// Who do I need to show justice, mercy, and kindness to?  Am I actively “sacrificing” and faithful in my “rituals” rather than being just, merciful and kind?  The Lord sure does know what He’s talking about…  Hence, I must be so.  I have been clearly reminded of rituals, sacrifices, and the like these week – not minding about the “positions” I am in, rather, to be merciful, to be just, and kind.  I need to do this.  I need to put on Jesus – it’s the only way I can and am able to do such things.

 

// LORD, I know that you will help me.  Please help me to grab hold of your power now – that I will not be depending on my own but you alone.  Help me however you want me to show mercy, justice, and kindness to my “neighbors” as the Samaritan did to the man who got beat up by robbers.  Please give me a heart like yours.  One that is compassionate, merciful, just, and kind.  Help me to look past people’s faults as you yourself have forgiven and forgotten about all my wrongs to you as well.  I am not worthy but you have accepted me.  THANK YOU!  Help me to do the same and be the Jesus to others – one who can be used as a vessel to give comfort by showing kindness, justice, and mercy.  I just offer to you my life and in trembling, I will do Your call for me to be so.  Help me to discern when the practical opportunity comes.  In Jesus’ name, amen.