The Power of Obedience and True Fasting

In our spiritual journeys, we often encounter moments that challenge our understanding of faith and devotion. Today, let's delve into the profound concepts of obedience and fasting, exploring how these practices can deepen our relationship with God when approached with sincere hearts.
The book of Zechariah offers us a powerful insight into God's perspective on our religious practices. In chapter 7, verses 1-7, we find the Israelites questioning their tradition of fasting. They had been observing fasts for 70 years, commemorating significant events like the destruction of the temple. But God, through the prophet Zechariah, poses a piercing question: "When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months during those 70 years, did you really fast for me?"
This question should make us pause and reflect on our own spiritual practices. Are we engaging in religious activities out of genuine devotion to God, or have they become mere routines? It's easy to fall into the trap of going through the motions without truly connecting with the heart of worship.
God further challenges the Israelites by asking, "When you eat and when you drink, do you not eat and drink for yourselves?" This reminds us that even our daily activities should be done with an awareness of God's presence and purpose in our lives. It's not just about the grand gestures of faith, but also about how we approach the ordinary moments of life.
True fasting, as illuminated in this passage, goes beyond simply abstaining from food. It's about setting aside something important to us and using that time to draw closer to God. When we fast, we should be spending more time in prayer, studying Scripture, and seeking God's will for our lives. It's a time of spiritual focus and renewal, not just a physical discipline.
The concept of obedience is intricately tied to this understanding of fasting. God reminds the Israelites through Zechariah, "Should you not have obeyed the words which the Lord proclaimed through the former prophets?" This emphasizes that our outward religious observances mean little if we're not living in obedience to God's commands.
In our modern context, we might not regularly practice fasting as the Israelites did, but we have our own rituals and traditions. One example mentioned is the practice of communion. Like fasting, communion can become a routine if we're not careful. It's crucial to approach communion with a heart that has examined itself, understanding the significance of what we're doing.
This self-examination before communion reflects a broader principle in our spiritual lives. We should regularly take stock of our relationship with God, addressing any areas where we might be harboring sin or struggling with obedience. It's not about perfection, but about maintaining an open and honest dialogue with our Creator.
The message also touches on the urgency of salvation. We're reminded of the thief on the cross who, in his final moments, turned to Jesus and was promised paradise. This powerful example shows that it's never too late to turn to God, but it also warns against the danger of procrastination in spiritual matters.
For those who have already accepted Christ, there's an encouragement to share your testimony. Don't leave a "question mark on your coffin" – let your loved ones know about your relationship with God. Celebrate your salvation experience and be willing to share it with others. This openness not only strengthens your own faith but can also be a powerful witness to those around you.
There's also a poignant reminder about the importance of understanding Scripture for ourselves. The story of the misunderstanding about baptism and salvation highlights how crucial it is to read and study the Bible, not just relying on what others tell us. Our faith should be grounded in a personal understanding of God's Word.
Throughout all of this, there's an underlying theme of God's love and accessibility. Just as we would answer a call from our children or grandchildren at any hour, God is always ready to hear from us. He wants a relationship with us and is waiting for us to turn to Him.
This message challenges us to examine our hearts and motivations in our spiritual practices. Are we doing things "for God" or for ourselves? Are we living in obedience to His will, or are we trying to do things our own way?
The invitation is clear: come to God with your burdens, your struggles, and your questions. Don't try to fight your battles alone. Whether you're wrestling with a decision to accept Christ, or you're a long-time believer facing challenges, God is calling you to draw near to Him.
As we go about our week, let's keep these thoughts in mind:

1. Approach our spiritual practices with sincerity, not just as routines.
2. Use times of fasting or self-denial as opportunities to draw closer to God.
3. Live in obedience to God's Word, not just outward observance.
4. Regularly examine our hearts and motives.
5. Share our faith stories with others.
6. Study Scripture for ourselves to deepen our understanding.
7. Remember that God is always accessible and wants to hear from us.

In all that we do, let's strive to do it for God's glory, not our own. When we please Him, everything else falls into place. Let's use the gifts and technology He's given us to further His kingdom and deepen our relationship with Him.
May we all be encouraged to live lives of true obedience and devotion, always seeking to draw closer to the God who loves us beyond measure.