Take Off the Dirt!

Read Zechariah 1:7 through Chapter 6
 
Zechariah 3:1-5 Then the angel showed me Jeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua. 2 And the LORD said to Satan, “I, the LORD, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.” 3 Jeshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the angel. 4 So the angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Jeshua he said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.” 5 Then I said, “They should also place a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean priestly turban on his head and dressed him in new clothes while the angel of the LORD stood by.
 
THIS third vision on the eight Zechariah saw one night illustrates the gospel. The very personal God graciously affirmed to the returning Jews that he will redeem his people from sin into his present and eternal kingdom. Jeshua is more often spelled Joshua. This is the Hebrew form of “Jesus”. He is the high priest during the Temple rebuilding in Jerusalem. Jeshua’s dirty clothes represent the Jews’ past sins. Satan accuses Jeshua – and in effect, the Accuser judges all the Jews and even God!
   This is Satan’s cutting saw that cuts away our confidence in God and erodes our love for one another. His constant accusations on our hearts, minds and souls enslave us to falsely believe our guilt is greater than God’s grace. He wants you to feel too dirty, too unworthy to be in God’s presence. Certainly, our sins are too much and too many for God to redeem, aren’t they?
   No, they are not! Surely and powerfully, the angel of the LORD, possibly the pre-incarnate Christ, announces forgiveness: “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.” The sins are taken away, not placed in storage for later use, but they are taken away! What greater assurance do you need?
   Are we guilty? Yes, we are. Do we deserve forgiveness? No, we do not. Does God mercifully forgive our repentance? Yes, he does. By grace God saves, doesn’t he? (Ephesians 2). God so deeply loves us, he has snatched our burning souls from the fire. As a result, we can confidently go before him: 1 John 4:17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.
   Praise God he has thrown off your dirty clothes to robe you in his truth and righteousness. Glory and praise to the LORD God Almighty!