From Fasting to Feasting

In this text, mournful fasting is turned into joyous feasting for all believers of every nation.

In the beginning of chapter 7, the Jews asked if they needed to continue fasting because of the exile. They did not expect the answer they received. They were told that their fasting was for themselves, and that their empty religion is what led to their exile. Nevertheless, the Lord was going to restore his people to a New Jerusalem in faithfulness and in righteousness. Their fasting over what was lost in sin would be replaced by feasting in what they would gain by God's grace.

God also promised that people would come to seek God and his grace from all over the world, even from enemy nations. The blessing of Israel would be granted to the Gentiles.

These promises are relevant now, even as we await their fulness. We join in the celebratory feast every week in the Lord's Supper because Jesus has restored us in his steadfast love and faithfulness. We will fully feast when he comes again. We are the Gentiles who have heard about the Lord and seek Him, but there are still others who need to hear. On the last day, the full number of God's people will be gathered in to be with Him forever.

Questions for Application

1. Zechariah 8:18-23 goes back to the original question about fasting. How do these verses contribute to the answer?

2. Zechariah and his generation lived 500 years before Christ. How do these verses speak to their situation; how do they apply to us today (who live after Christ’s first coming); and in what ways do they point to Jesus’ second coming?

3. In what ways are these verses a picture of and call to the Gospel?

4. What commands do you see in here that apply to us today? In what specific ways can we seek to live them out?

Scriptures for Further Study

Luke 14:16-24

Revelation 19:6-10

Sermon: Building Bridges, Not Walls
Philippians 2:1-11
REV CHARLES DUNAHOO