December 7, 518 B.C.
And the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, saying, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.” But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear. They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the LORD of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of hosts. “As I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear,” says the LORD of hosts… (Zech 7:8-13)
We may live 2,500 years later, but this is still the last thing you’d ever want to hear from your Creator.
“As I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear.”
He has revealed himself as the almighty King of the universe who is willing to incline his ear to hear his image-bearers.
The LORD is king forever and ever;
the nations perish from his land.
O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear… (Psa 10:16-17)
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my words.
Wondrously show your steadfast love… (Psa 17:6-7)
I waited patiently for the LORD;
he inclined to me and heard my cry. (Psa 40:1)
What an incredible thought, that the greatest Being of all is willing to hear when we call! Just don’t overlook the devastating diagnosis preserved throughout the work of God’s prophets: real men and women who should’ve known better refused to pay attention, turned stubborn shoulders, stopped listening, and made their hearts diamond-hard. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of hosts.
Prophet after prophet delivered invitation after invitation, warning after warning–“The LORD is calling and we must listen. He is willing to hear us if we will incline our hearts to hear him.” But the prophets’ message fell on deaf ears and the patient God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob reached the point where he said of his own people, “I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear.” Friend, that’s still the last thing you’d ever want to hear from your Creator.
It may not feel like it today, but the time will come when more than anything, you will want God to hear you. More than your body craves air to breathe, your spirit will desperately yearn for him to hear you when you call.
So here’s something worth thinking about on an ordinary Monday. God is calling. He’s been calling for a very long time, so patiently waiting, not wishing that any should perish. If we want him to hear us, we must incline our hearts to hear him.
Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Rom 2:4)