Daily Devotional – Saturday, October 2, 2021
Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.”
Zechariah 3:4 (NIV)
In ancient Israel, the High Priest was the link between people and God. He spent most of his life in the presence of God.
Paul notes, “For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.” (Hebrews 5:1).
It is, therefore, surprising to read the story of a high priest who was less than righteous. Satan had the audacity to stand up and accuse Joshua. (Zechariah 3:1). The devil rejoiced that this mediator was wearing, “filthy garments.” (Zechariah 3:3).
Joshua represents each of us, when separated from Jesus. “But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6). By nature, we lean towards sin and tend to rebel against God.
Consequently, even our best deeds cannot make us right with God. The only way we can be righteous is when God takes away the filthy garments of sin from us through forgiveness of sin (Zechariah 3:4).
Like Joshua, we need to hear God’s pronouncement, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” (Zechariah 3:4). This new, clean garment symbolizes Christ’s righteousness.
Zechariah’s vision captures not only our predicament as sinful human beings but also our destiny if we accept Jesus Christ. Notice that Zechariah did not pay for the new rich robes. Salvation is free for those who accept it.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, please take away my filthy garments of self-righteousness and sin and clothe me with Your white robe of righteousness.
