In Zechariah 7, the work of rebuilding the Temple has been moving forward steadily and God gives Zechariah a message in response to God's people asking a question. Should they should continue the fasting they had added into their calendars that commemorated the burning of the Temple? God responds asking a question back - what is the heart behind the fast? God doesn't want our ceremonies or sacrifices if we are just going through the motions. He wants us to have a sincere, personal, and intimate relationship with Him that comes from heart. To fast because of a tragedy that occurred in Jerusalem and not repent of the sin that caused the tragedy is pointless. God is the only One who knows are hearts which is why He's the only One to judge. God is to be the center of our lives and the reason behind all we do and say. Worshiping and serving God isn't supposed to be a mere part of our lives, it is supposed to be the very heart of our lives. We are to be anchored to God with all our guts.
