Zechariah 7:8-14
They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the Lord Almighty had sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the Lord Almighty was very angry. Zechariah 7:12, NIV
The judiciary convicts criminals and metes out appropriate punishment. Their service is required in order to clear the society of the menace of troublemakers and lawbreakers. God is the judge who pronounces judgement on lawbreakers in His kingdom.
Before the people of Judah were taken into exile, they were commanded to be just in their judgement (vs. 9a), show mercy and compassion to one another (vs. 9b), desist from oppression -particularly of the less privileged (vs. 10a) and avoid plotting evil against each other (vs. 10b). They however, decided to flaunt these four-fold instructions given to them and responded to God in an unacceptable four-fold manner. They did not pay attention (vs. 11a), they turned their backs against God (vs. 11b), covered their ears (vs. 11b), and made their hearts adamant (vs. 12a). In response, God also meted out to them a four-fold judgement: He became angry at them (vs. 12b), refused to listen to them (vs. 13), scattered them among nations (vs. 14a) and their land became desolate (vs. 14b).
For every action, there is a reaction. When a man fails to obey the instructions of God, there would always be consequences. Hope you don’t find it difficult to obey God? What are the things God has told you to do? Act on them now so that you can avoid God’s wrath.
Insight: God is an incorruptible judge.
Prayer: Lord, help me pay attention to Your instructions.