But they refused to heed, shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears so that they could not hear. Yes, they made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets. Thus great wrath came from the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 7:11-12)
The New King James Version. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1982.
The events that had just unfolded were that the people claimed to do what God said and then complained that nothing seemed to change. The attitude was "what's the use." God then answered with a list of remedies that he expected the people to do, and then we arrive at the above text.
Choices have both opportunities and consequences attached to them. The immediate opportunity, however, might not be easily recognizable. The opportunity God had presented them with was one where relationship would be built and flourish - both upward to God though obedience and outward to others - and bring blessings. Upward and outward both involve relationship, and relationships can be messy.
Those people in that day made choices that had consequences. Let's look at their choices:
- Refused to Heed.
- Shrugged (or bowed up) their shoulders.
- Stopped up their ears.
- Became hard-hearted.
- Refused to listen to God.
Now let's see the consequences: GREAT WRATH FROM THE LORD.
God is never excited at our reluctance to do as He invites. Which leads me to a few questions:
- At what relationship in my life am I refusing God?
- Where am I in the five areas listed above?
- Am I willing to heed, bow, open, be tender and listen?
We all make choices. What is yours?
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