Do You Need Cleansing From Sin?

O. T. #2282"Do You Need Cleansing From Sin?"

Sept. 19, 2022

Zechariah 3

LET IT GLOW

What a week I have had-jealousy, anger, impatience, selfishness. Yet, Jesus still loves me. I can come to His table, cleansed, to sit down and sup with Him in His Word. Forgiveness is always available. Jesus is our Bread of Life and Living Water for our soul. Such love!!

In this chapter, we read about the fourth vision or message given to Zechariah. What did the prophet see? 

• Joshua, the high priest, standing before the angel of the LORD, who is Jesus Christ.
•  Satan (Accuser) was standing at Jesus' right hand making accusations against Joshua.
•  Jesus rejected his accusations and rebuked Satan. (Resist means accuse.)
• This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire. (Jesus said.)
• Joshua was standing there in filthy (soiled, as if excrementitiously) clothing before Jesus. 
• Jesus said to the others standing there, to take off the priest's filthy clothes.
• Jesus told Joshua, "See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes. (verse 4)

There are several names in the Bible for Satan-evil one (Matt. 6:13), the devil, the ancient serpent, the great dragon (Rev. 12:9), god of this age (2 Cor. 4:4), ruler of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2), the one who deceives the whole world (Rev. 12:9). This chief demon has set up a rival kingdom in opposition to God. (Matt. 12:26) He tempted Adam and Eve to reject God's Word and still tempts us today. He seeks to hinder the work of God's kingdom in the world. (Mark 4:15) 

Satan is the accuser of our brothers and sisters and us before our God both day and night. (Rev. 12:10) We read what happened to Job's life when Satan accused him before God.

Did you notice that Jesus came to Joshua's defense with a rebuke for Satan? (verse 2) The filthy clothes represented Joshua's sins before God. (verse 3) Jesus removed his iniquity and clothed Joshua with festive robes and a clean turban. (verses 4-5) Mitre is a head-dress; a piece of cloth wrapped around; a hood. Then Joshua was clean before the LORD God, acceptable to perform his priestly duties.

[Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

Friend, we have all sinned and fallen short of God's standards. So we need a Savior to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us of all our unrighteousness. Jesus is the Only One who can do that. He is the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Savior? Are there others who need to hear this Good News in your life?

LET IT GROW

Jesus took away the sins of Joshua. Then He charged Joshua to walk in His ways, keep His mandates, and rule His house (Temple). What was the promise for the priest if he obeyed? Jesus would give him places to walk among these that stand by. (verse 7) His position and purpose were restored, just as our can be when we repent of our sins. What grace!(John 21)

LET IT GO 

Thank You Jesus for Your grace, love, forgiveness, and mercy!

I fail You daily. How wonderful You are sweet Jesus!

Set us free from the sins that have us in chains.