In Zechariah chapter 7 and 8, the prophet gives a set of responses to a delegation from the exiles about liturgical observance. Commentators date this even to about halfway through the period of temple rebuilding (520-516 BC).
The delegation that came to Jerusalem basically asked whether the nation should continue to fast in remembrance of Jerusalem's destruction by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25:8-10).
D.A. Carson points out three critical points that are derived from Zechariah's response that were applicable then and points that are still valid for today.
(1) Is our "religion" for us or for God?
"When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months these seventy years, was it actually for Me that you fasted?" (7:5)
Basically for the past 70 years (all through the exile) the people were fasting to remember the destruction of the city. The question at hand, did they do so primarily as an act of devotion to God, or out of some self-centered motivation of wanting to feel good about themselves (Zech. 7:5-7)? Was their fasting (for all of those years) driven by self-pity, or faithfulness to a tradition that they instituted. Was it more about religion (which seems to be self-centered) rather than about God?
Zechariah gets right to the point as a spokesman for God. This question cuts right to the heart of the matter. Today, how easily it is for me to fall into doing "religious" acts for years and years which can become cold, robotic, and without feeling. Years and years of tradition, yet a distant heart from worshipping my Creator and Redeemer. The danger is always there.
(2) Does our "religion" elevate ritual above morality?
"But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears from hearing." 7:11
Zechariah does not stop there. In verses 8-12 he points out what kind of life they lived before the exile (which brought them judgment). He points out their former and questions them once again as to their morality, to their life, to their actions -- do they match the ritual and traditions that seem to occupy their time?
This word of Zechariah stings again. Are the traditions and rituals of the Christian life matched by a passionate commitment to “show mercy and compassion to one another?”
(3) Does our "religion" prompt us passionately to follow God’s words, or to pursue our own "religious" agendas?
“When I called, they did not listen; so when they called, I would not listen” (Zech. 7:13)
Passionate intensity about the details of "religion" (in their case and my case), is worse than useless if it is not accompanied by a holy life. In true "religion", nothing, nothing at all, is more important than whole-hearted and unqualified obedience to the words of God.
I don't usually like using the word "religion" when talking about my life and devotion to God…but it seemed to be the only word that fit when talking about this request by the delegation that Zechariah spoke to and comparing that to me today.
The questions that are posed here go deep. God, help me to go deep with these questions. Help me to see the areas of my life where I am just as "religious" in what I do -- help me not to maintain my Christian life -- but to find life in Christ alone and be constantly in awe of the gospel, the good news of who I am in Christ now.
Help me God to strive for Christ-centered devotion that affects my heart towards Christ-centered action that is rooted in your Word and empowered by your grace!