Sunday, 11th July 2021. Joshua the High Priest is cleansed by the Lord
Text: Zechariah 3:1-10
The prophet Zechariah was writing to God’s people after they had returned from exile. They started to rebuild the Temple, but they became more interested in their own houses and eventually stopped the Temple construction. Yahweh then sends Zechariah to encourage the people to build. This vision of Joshua (not Moses’ aide) shows him being accused by Satan of being unfit for service because Joshua was filthy – which was true! But the angel of Yahweh (pre-incarnate Jesus) scolded Satan, removed Joshua’s filthy garments, and clothed him with pure vestments.
Because of Yahweh’s gracious cleansing, Joshua was now fit to serve as High Priest. The Temple needed to be rebuilt.
Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, never needed cleansing because He is eternal God, the Son. But all humans are in the same condition as Joshua was, unfit to serve Him. By nature we are spiritually dead, morally filthy God-haters, unable and unwilling to worship Him. It is not possible
for us to cleanse ourselves nor even to ask for cleansing. But Christ cleanses the people of His own choosing, and makes us fit to trust, love, worship, and obey Him. Even though we are not priests, as Joshua was, we are transformed persons who are able to do the priest-like duties
of interceding for people and spreading the Gospel. You might not be a pastor or an evangelist, but you must speak to others about salvation in Jesus Christ.
Meditate on verse 2. How are you going to respond to it?
Our heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, thank You for saving me from eternal hell. We are indeed a brand plucked from the fire. Amen.
