July 19, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Zechariah Chapter 7
1 And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of the Lord came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu;
2 When they had sent unto the house of God Sherezer and Regemmelech, and their men, to pray before the Lord,
3 And to speak unto the priests which were in the house of the Lord of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years?
4 Then came the word of the Lord of hosts unto me, saying,
5 Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?
6 And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?
7 Should ye not hear the words which the Lord hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities thereof round about her, when men inhabited the south and the plain?
8 And the word of the Lord came unto Zechariah, saying,
9 Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:
10 And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.
11 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
12 Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts.
13 Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts:
14 But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
True Fasting and God’s Judgment on Unbrotherliness
In the fourth year of King Darius, the word of the Lord comes to Zechariah on the fourth day of the ninth month, Kislev. Envoys from Bethel ask the priests and prophets whether they should continue to fast and mourn in the fifth month, as they have done for many years. God responds through Zechariah, questioning the fasting and mourning of the past seventy years: Was it truly dedicated to Him, or was it done for their own sake?
God emphasizes that true fasting is not just about outward actions but about living a just and merciful life. He calls the people to practice justice and show kindness and mercy to their brothers. They should not commit wrongs against widows, orphans, strangers, and the poor, nor harbor evil thoughts against their brothers. Despite these instructions, the people ignored God’s words and hardened their hearts, which eventually led to God’s anger and their dispersion.
God highlights that true devotion is demonstrated through just actions and caring for others. Without this attitude, even the strictest fasting is meaningless.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 47: Ministry
This chapter is based on Matthew 17:9-21; Mark 9:9-29; Luke 9:37-45.
Read online here
Commentary
Jesus had spent the whole night with his disciples on the mountain. As morning broke, they descended into the plain. The disciples were silently reverent, deeply impressed by the events of the night. The place where they had experienced the heavenly light and Jesus’ glory seemed holy to them. But down below, the people were waiting for them, longing for Jesus.
At the foot of the mountain, a crowd had gathered around the disciples who had stayed behind. No one knew where Jesus was. As he approached, he commanded the disciples to remain silent about what had happened until he had risen from the dead. They were to keep this revelation in their hearts to avoid the ridicule and contempt of the people. Even the other disciples were to learn of it later, as they could not yet understand the event.
When Jesus appeared, many ran joyfully to him, but he immediately noticed the embarrassment and unease in the crowd. His disciples were also downcast. During his absence, a father had brought his son, plagued by an evil spirit, to them, but the disciples had been unable to heal him. Although Jesus had given them power over unclean spirits, they had failed this time, which gave the scribes a reason to mock and portray them as frauds. The mood in the crowd turned against the disciples.
When Jesus appeared, the situation changed abruptly. His presence brought calm and reverence. He went directly to the possessed boy and asked what the people were arguing about. The boy’s father recounted his futile efforts to find help. Jesus, saddened by the unbelief, commanded that the boy be brought to him.
As the boy was brought before Jesus, the spirit threw him to the ground. At that moment, the Lord of life and the prince of darkness faced each other once again. Jesus allowed the evil spirit to show its power to make the subsequent deliverance all the more evident. The father, desperate over his son’s suffering, pleaded with Jesus for help and was reminded of his doubts. Jesus explained that everything is possible for one who believes. The father exclaimed, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
With a command, Jesus drove out the spirit. The boy, initially motionless, was grasped by Jesus and lifted up. He was completely healed, and father and son praised God. The crowd was amazed and reverent, while the scribes withdrew in shame.
Jesus’ power was not limited, and he demonstrated that faith makes all things possible. Faith connects us with heaven and gives us the strength to overcome the powers of darkness. The disciples had failed because their faith was weak. Their doubts and jealousies had left them unprepared. Jesus explained to them that this kind of spirit could only be driven out by prayer and fasting. They needed to strengthen their faith and place their trust in God.
The mustard seed, small and insignificant, holds the potential for great growth. So it is with faith. If we nurture and cultivate our faith, it will grow and fill us with heavenly power. Nothing will be impossible for the one who believes.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 48: Who Is the Greatest?
This chapter is based on Matthew 17:22-27; Matthew 18:1-20; Mark 9:30-50; Luke 9:46-48.
Read online here
Commentary
When Jesus returned to Capernaum, he did not visit the well-known places but withdrew with his disciples into a house. His goal was to instruct his disciples rather than minister to the masses.
During their journey through Galilee, Jesus had tried to prepare his disciples for the upcoming events. He spoke again of his death and resurrection and added that he would be betrayed. The disciples did not understand him and were more concerned with arguments about who would be the greatest in the coming kingdom. They tried to hide these discussions from Jesus.
After they reached Capernaum, the tax collector asked Peter if Jesus paid the temple tax. This tax was an annual payment for the upkeep of the temple. Eager to defend his master’s honor, Peter answered without consulting Jesus that he would pay the tax.
Jesus used this opportunity to teach Peter and the other disciples. He asked Peter whether the kings of the earth collected taxes from their own children or from strangers. Peter replied, “From strangers.” Jesus then explained that the children are exempt. This meant that as the Son of God, Jesus was not obligated to pay the temple tax. Nevertheless, he instructed Peter to obtain the amount through a miracle to avoid causing offense.
Shortly after their arrival in Capernaum, Jesus asked the disciples what they had been discussing on the way. In light of his presence and question, they remained silent, ashamed, as they had been arguing about their rank. Jesus explained to them that whoever wants to be the greatest must be the last and the servant of all.
To illustrate his teaching, Jesus placed a small child among them and said, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” He emphasized the importance of simplicity, self-forgetfulness, and trusting love.
Jesus pointed out that true greatness does not lie in earthly dignity or display of power. In his kingdom, the rich, the poor, the learned, and the unlearned are united and dependent on him. He explained that a sincere and repentant heart is precious in God’s eyes.
An incident prompted John to ask Jesus if they had acted correctly when they forbade a man from casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus replied that they should not have forbidden him, for no one who performs a miracle in his name can soon afterward speak evil of him. Jesus emphasized the importance of compassion and openness towards all who work in his name.
Jesus also spoke about the serious responsibility of not causing others to sin. He said it was better to mutilate oneself than to commit a sin that could lead to death. He emphasized that every believer has a responsibility towards the weak.
Jesus explained to the disciples the steps to take when a brother sins. They should first rebuke him privately, then with one or two witnesses, and finally involve the congregation if he does not listen. If the sinner refuses all these steps, he should be treated as a Gentile and a tax collector but still with compassion.
Jesus assured the disciples that their actions on earth would have heavenly consequences. He promised his presence and support wherever two or three gather in his name and agree in prayer.
Jesus’ teachings emphasize the importance of humility, compassion, and unity in faith. He showed the disciples that true greatness lies in serving others and in devotion to God’s will. His example and words should inspire them to represent his kingdom on earth through love and selfless service.
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