Zechariah 3 Devotional

Clean Robes for the Accused

“See the stone I have set before Joshua; on that one stone are seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave on it an inscription, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day.”Zechariah 3:9 (BSB)

In this vision Joshua the high priest stands before the angel of the LORD in filthy clothes, with Satan beside him to accuse him (3:1-3). Joshua offers no defense at all. Instead the LORD rebukes the accuser and calls Joshua a scorched stick pulled out of the fire (3:2). The filthy clothes are taken off, Joshua is told that his sin has been removed, and he is dressed in fine garments and a clean turban (3:4-5).

Only after he is cleansed is he charged to walk in God's ways (3:7). Then God points beyond Joshua. He will bring his servant, the Branch, and he will remove the guilt of the land in a single day (3:8-9). Paul says God made the sinless Christ to be sin for us, so that we could be counted righteous in him (2 Corinthians 5:21), and that no charge can stand against those whom God justifies (Romans 8:33-34). When accusation comes, you do not have to argue your own case. God has already provided the clean clothes.

To think about: What accusation do you keep answering with your own defense, and what would it mean to rest in the clean clothes God gives?