THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF ZECHARIAH

Introduction:

 Zechariah invites us to look above the chaos and hope for God’s Kingdom to come, motivating faithfulness in the present moment. That’s the challenge Zechariah offers to all generations of God’s people.

THE CLEANSING OF JOSHUA – THE HIGH PRIEST

Our Text: Zechariah Chapter 3:1-7 – three persons were introduced here:

1.         Joshua the high priest – the Accused - Zech. 3:1

2.         Satan standing by – the Adversary   - Zech. 3:1

3.         The Lord Jehovah – the Advocate    -  Zech. 3:1,2

God gave Zechariah a vision of Joshua the High Priest.

A) Joshua was Chosen

“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel”.  NASB

B) Joshua was Accuse

1.  In his vision, Zechariah saw the high priest in the presence of the LORD (standing before the Angel of the LORD), and he was clothed with filthy garments.

2. Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him: Satan hated the whole scene. He hates it when God’s people come into the presence of the LORD. He hates it when they come into God’s presence to serve and honour the LORD.

“Satan must have been pointing to those [filthy clothes] and declaring forcefully that Joshua was unfit to stand before the Lord in this office.” (Boice)

God does allow Satan to attack and harass His people, but He always strictly regulates what Satan is allowed to do.

Application: When the devil accuses you and condemn you - point him to Jesus your Advocate and He will stand for you to protect you.

C) Joshua’s Iniquity was Cleanse and he is given clean garments. Vs. 4,5

“Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the LORD stood by.” NASB

This verse is rich with meaning that speaks to the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the righteousness offered by God. The imagery of filthy garments being removed and replaced with clean clothes conveys the idea of a spiritual transformation and a restoration of righteousness. (Enduring Word)

D) Joshua was Clothed and Crowned

And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head”

The glory and complement of the high priest's sacrificial attire was the mitre with the "holy crown upon it and the plate of prate gold, on which was graven, Holiness to the Lord" Exodus 28:36-38; Exodus 29:6; which was to "be upon" the high priest's "forehead, that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; which was always to be upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord." NASB

E) Joshua was Commissioned - Zech. 3:7

A personal admonishment and promise to Joshua.

Then the Angel of the LORD admonished Joshua, saying, “Thus says the LORD of hosts:

‘If you will walk in My ways, And if you will keep My command, Then you shall also judge My house, And likewise have charge of My courts; I will give you places to walk among these who stand here.” NASB

God is talking to the church today! We need to walk in His ways and keep His command and we will have spiritual authority in the house of God to minister to others.

F) Joshua was Commanded – “I will give thee places to walk” – Zech. 3:7

 1. Joshua, in Zechariah’s day, was encouraged much the same way that the first Joshua was admonished. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. (Joshua 1:7)

Application: God will prosper us when we are strong to believe in Him and observe to do according to the Word of God. Spiritual authority will be access to us all.

2. Then you shall also judge My house, and likewise have charge of My courts: God promised Joshua that he would indeed continue to serve as high priest as he was diligent to stay obedient to God.

3. I will give you places to walk among these who stand here: God promised Joshua privileged access into the presence of God. This wasn’t a surprising promise for a high priest, but we have the same promise in New Testament.

Application: Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) NKJV

Conclusion:

Here Joshua was Rescued from the fire and Restored to his office as a Priest and Recognized by the people as a sign.

Joshua the high priest was:

1. Chosen – a brand plucked out of the fire – Zech. 3:2

2. Cleansed – “I have caused thine iniquity to pass,”  - Zech. 3:4

3. Clothed –they clothed him with garments – Zech. 3:5

4. Crowned – they set a fair mitre (turban) upon his head.  -  Zech. 3:5

5. Conditioned – “if thou wilt walk in my ways.” - Zech. 3:7

6. Commissioned – “thou shalt judge and keep” – Zech. 3:7

7. Commanded to – “I will give thee places to walk”  – Zech. 3:7

Challenge:

As we come to Jesus to be cleansed of our iniquity and save us.  Let Him clothed us with rich garments of holiness and righteousness. Let Jesus crown us with spiritual authority as a priest for the Lord. Let us walk in His presence always and keep His Word in our hearts.Come with sincere faith and looking for a spiritual transformation and revival for the Church of Jesus Christ.