Covered

“Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.”

(Zechariah 3:3).

Humbled by His Holiness

It is a solemn experience to appear before the Lord. When we consider the extreme contrast of His holiness to our sin it is intimidating. God is so holy Scripture describes Him as a consuming fire. Unlike God, we are poor, wretched, miserable, blind, and naked. How is it that God is so willing to dwell with us? How is it that in His presence we don’t die instantly? I believe we find the answers to these questions and more in the story of Joshua and his accuser.

Rescued by His Righteousness

Joshua the High Priest appeared before the angel of the Lord and the Bible says the devil stood by accusing him of his sin. Satan’s accusations kindled God’s indignation: “And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” (Zechariah 3:2). Right then, the accuser lost his case! God rebuked Satan by plucking Joshua out of the fire that he sin condemned him to and robed him in His righteousness.

Clothed in the robe of God’s righteousness, Joshua is no longer a sinner. Now Joshua is a redeemed child of God. The Bible says, “Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” (Zechariah 3:3, 4). God demonstrates His unwillingness to let a sinner die in his sin when he exchanges the filthy garments of Joshua’s iniquity with His own clean robe of righteousness. These garments represented the righteous life of Christ which was to come in the future. What’s so powerful about this story is that Joshua receiving a physically clean robe foreshadows the righteousness of Christ that will cover his sin.

Cleared of Condemnation

I thank God that He does not allow the devil to innumerate my sins and make a solid case for my destruction. When we have faith in the perfect life, sacrifice, and heavenly ministry of Jesus Christ He sees our faith as the consent to bestow upon us the blessing of His righteousness. Once we receive the righteousness of God by faith we have peace with God because no one can bring a railing accusation against us. We have indeed passed from death to life.

Welcome to the privilege of becoming faithful stewards of your hearts. Manage responsibly, in Jesus’ name.