”But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they closed their ears so they could not hear. They made their hearts like a rock so as not to obey the law or the words that the Lord of Armies had sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore intense anger came from the Lord of Armies.“
Zechariah 7:11-12 CSB
Gods people were feeling far off from Him and went to the temple to ask why He was not near. Zechariah hears an answer to their question: “for years you have technically accomplished what I told you, but it was for the wrong reason, with wrong motivations. You were fasting so your neighbors noticed, and you were feasting because you like to eat…none of it was for Me”
Then the consequences are in the verses we are looking at…”you stiff armed me, refused to listen and never obeyed Me, now I will give you what you want: I will leave you alone and ignore you!” Then God released His anger…
What a scary place to be! I never want to experience Gods anger! Thankfully, the antidote is straightforward: obey Gods Word and seek to know Him…Although it is simple it is not easy because it requires a minute by minute sacrifice: my selfish desires.
Lord help me live in a way that demonstrates the joy I experience following you! I want others to see my delight and pleasure in You and see that the sacrifice is worth it! That you bless beyond measure when we live for You and get to experience eternal life today!!!
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