August 27, 2026 - Zechariah 7-9

What penetrating questions!  The people were languishing, so they came to the priests and asked, “Should we mourn and fast in the fifth month as we have done these many years?” (7:3)  The Lord’s response to Zechariah:  “Ask all the people of the land and the priests:  When you fasted and lamented in the fifth and in the seventh months for these 70 years, did you really fast for Me?  When you eat and drink, don’t you eat and drink simply for yourselves?” (7:5,6)

It’s a heart thing!  Always has been, always will be.  True religion consists not merely of outward, visible acts, but of a heart truly turned toward God and in love with him.  Our prayer:  “Lord, please stir up within me, always, a great love for you.”

Come, O my soul, in sacred lays;

Attempt thy great Creator’s praise.

But, O what tongue can speak His fame?

What verse can reach the lofty theme?

Enthroned amid the radiant spheres,

We glory like a garment wears;

To form a robe of light divine,

Ten thousand suns around Him shine.

In all our Maker’s grand designs,

Almighty power with wisdom shines;

His works, through all this wondrous frame,

Declare the glories of His name.

Raised on devotion’s lofty wing,

Do thou, my soul, His glories sing;

And let His praise employ thy tongue,

Till listening worlds shall join the song.   -- Thomas Blacklock (1757)