the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 5 of 5
Zechariah 3:1-10
A new scene is revealed to Zechariah. The high priest Joshua – who represents the people – stands before the angel of the LORD. But Satan is there also in his usual role of accuser (Revelation 12:10), for the filthy garments of Joshua serve only too well as opportunity for his attacks. The LORD had given such strict instructions for the purification of the priests (e.g. Leviticus 8:6-7; Numbers 19:7 . . .) that for the priest to present himself before God with the stain of sin on him would mean certain judgment. But then we have read that he whom the adversary dares to touch is as the apple of God’s eye (Zechariah 2:8), "a brand plucked out of the fire" (v. 2). The poor man so accused has nothing to say in his defence. The Judge Himself has made full provision, although at the same time He does not tolerate the filthy condition! "Behold," He says, "I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment", not just clean garments, but "festival robes" (v. 4 JND trans.; cf. Matthew 22:12). Cleansed and justified, Joshua henceforth has a dual responsibility: to walk in the LORD’s ways, and to acquit himself faithfully of the charge he is given (v. 7). Dear friend, if you want to taste the Lord’s grace, you must take the same place as Joshua.
Vv. 8-10 introduce the Messiah (the Branch) reigning in righteousness over a cleansed people.
