The prophet Zechariah asks the people of his time a very good question. However, we must not overlook the fact that this is a call to all the peoples of the world: if we are going to make a sacrifice to the Lord, it must be with a sincere heart and with genuine worship before God.
In this passage, the priests were committed to guiding the people along the right path, giving good instructions so that they would be submissive and comply with the Lord’s statutes. That’s why we see this question, because the prophet observed that the people were not sincere in the sacrifices they offered to the Lord.
The Lord speaks to them clearly about the fast they had undertaken, which was neither sincere. That is, the entire time they offered that sacrifice was not pleasing to God.
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?
Zachariah 7:5
And if we were asked that same question today about our commitment to God—whether we have acted in obedience, with good conduct, and offering a full and sincere sacrifice—what would we answer?
It is important to understand that if we are making sacrifices for the Lord, they must be sincere and truly come from the heart. We must not be like those people who praised God with their lips, but whose hearts were far from Him.
Whatever you do—whether fasting or other sacrifices—do it well, showing obedience and goodwill before the Lord. Then God will be pleased with your good behavior.
To better understand this message, we must remember the historical context in which Zechariah spoke. The people of Israel had returned from exile and were practicing religious acts for many years, including fasting and mourning. However, these actions had become routine and empty. They were performed out of tradition rather than devotion, and God, who sees the heart of man, made it clear that outward actions without inner sincerity are meaningless before Him.
This passage teaches us that God is not impressed by external rituals alone. Fasting, offerings, prayers, and religious observances are valuable only when they reflect a heart that truly seeks the Lord. When these acts are done merely to appear righteous or to fulfill a custom, they lose their spiritual value. God desires a relationship built on truth, humility, and obedience, not on appearances.
The question asked through the prophet forces us to examine our motives. Are we seeking God for who He is, or are we only seeking His blessings? Are our sacrifices expressions of love and reverence, or are they attempts to satisfy our conscience while continuing in disobedience? These questions remain relevant today, just as they were in Zechariah’s time.
True sacrifice involves more than abstaining from food or participating in religious activities. It involves turning away from sin, practicing justice, showing mercy, and walking humbly before God. A sincere fast is accompanied by a transformed life, where our actions align with God’s will and reflect His character in how we treat others.
God desires consistency between what we profess and how we live. When our worship is genuine, it affects every area of our lives—our relationships, our decisions, and our conduct. Obedience becomes a natural response, not a burden, because it flows from a heart that loves and honors the Lord.
Therefore, this message invites us to self-examination. Let us approach God with honesty, acknowledging our weaknesses and seeking His guidance. Let our sacrifices be accompanied by repentance, faith, and a sincere desire to please Him. In doing so, our worship will not be empty, but acceptable and pleasing before the Lord.