Zechariah 3:1-10
Tuesday, 20 July 2021
“Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘If you will walk in MY ways and if you will perform My service, then you will also govern My house and also have charge of My courts and I will grant you free access among these who are standing here’.” -Zechariah 3:7
In today’s reading the Prophet Zechariah sees a vision of the heavenly courtroom, where Joshua the high priest was standing before the Angel of the Lord and was being accused by Satan. This Joshua is the high priest who returned to Jerusalem with the exiles (Ezra 3:2) [Adapted from NKJV Study Bible] As we can see in Ezra 3:2 & Ezra 5:2, Joshua (Jeshua) was involved in building the house of God. He was among the first group of exiles who returned from Babylon.
Joshua was a young man zealous for the Lord and was laboring in the re-building of the Lord’s house. In the book of Ezra we can see that the first batch of captives who returned, started the process of re-building God’s Temple among stiff opposition. That shows how committed and faithful Joshua was! He was sold out for the Lord and was determined to see that the Temple is constructed at any cost. In Ezra 3:2 we see him instrumental in building the altar to offer burnt offerings. He was not only zealous, but he was meticulous and orderly in doing his duty – first they established the sacrifices -a reminder of forgiveness of sins and covenant and then they moved on to the laborious job of building the Temple.
However, in today’s reading, the Lord allows Zechariah to see what is happening in the spirit world! When we labour in the Lord’s vineyard with zeal and clear focus, we do not bother of anything else – but there will always be another side. The Devil will always try to accuse us!! Starting from verse 1 we read how God dealt with this situation. None of the accusations of Satan (accuser) could stand before God!! He vindicated Joshua. Accusations can come from unexpected quarters and even through familiar people – but understand that the source is the same.
Oh dear men and women of God, who labour in the Lord’s vineyard, do not be disheartened by the accusations that may come against you! Understand that in the spirit realm something is happening. There is an Advocate who argues your case – Jesus Christ (1John2:1-2). It is not the hardships at the field or the persecutions against the work that would discourage a servant of God – but Satan knows what the most effective and time-tested weapon in pulling down a firebrand servant of God – accusations!!!
Therefore, look what God is admonishing Joshua in our key verse -you be faithful! “If you will walk in My ways and if you will perform My service….” Like the filthy garments of Joshua was ordered to be removed from him, through the blood of Jesus Christ, all our sins were washed and we were cleansed. However, God still needs one action from us, in order to thwart all the accusations of the evil one – faithfulness in carrying out the duties entrusted to us! What is expected of a servant is faithfulness.1Cor.4:2: “Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” In Luke 12:42: “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his house hold to give them their portion of food in due season?”
Are you discouraged by the accusations against you? Are you disheartened that even after your labour for the Lord through many suffering and severe persecutions, people who are so close to you still don’t understand you, but rather accuses you ? Take courage, and understand that if you continue to be faithful in the tasks that are entrusted to you, God will deal with such accusations!
Promise of Jesus: “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest…” (Matthew 11:28)