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"Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless"

Text: Zechariah 7:10

A WORD OF ADMONITION FROM GOD II

The second part of the admonition must also be given careful consideration.

“Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless,
The alien or the poor.
Let none of you plan evil in his heart
Against his brother.”
Zechariah 7:10

1. Oppression of the following was a common sight (then and now)

a) The widow

b) The fatherless

c) The alien (foreigner)

d) The poor

2. Injustice in the land

a) This continues to be a world-wide problem.

b) Few are truly and consistently concerned about the welfare of the needy.

c) True religion must see us consider caring for those who need justice desperately.

3. Ritualistic and True Religion contrasted

a) Ritualistic religion does not cultivate the heart and the soul effectively.

b) True religion that is focused on worshiping God must result in practical care and concern for those who are suffering injustice.

4. “Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother”

a) There must be genuine care for a brother

i) A biological brother

ii) A brother-in-faith

b) No evil must ever be planned in the heart against a brother.

The Apostle John articulated this thought well in his first epistle (1 John 4:20-21).