Squeaky Clean
Read Zechariah 1:1–8:23
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1. Then the angel showed me Jeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua.
2. And the Lord said to Satan, “I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.”
3. Jeshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the angel.
4. So the angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Jeshua he said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.”
5. Then I said, “They should also place a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean priestly turban on his head and dressed him in new clothes while the angel of the Lord stood by. Zechariah 3:1-5
Everyone who has ever done laundry knows how stubborn some dirt can be. You treat it, soak it, scrub it, and rewash it, but nothing you do takes out the stain.
Dirt comes in more forms than just the physical. We say that we have dirt in our past and try to avoid airing our “dirty laundry.” Like stained clothes, dirt in lives is hard to get out. That’s why, for this set of prophecies, God shows Zechariah a vision of Jeshua, the high priest, in dirty clothes. As you read, pay close attention to this vivid illustration of God’s work of mercy in our lives.
In Zechariah’s vision, Satan made many accusations against Jeshua (Israel) (Zechariah 3:2-4). Jeshua could not deny them, either, because they were true. But God rejected the accusations and declared mercy on Jeshua. By having Jeshua’s filthy clothes removed and replaced by fine new ones, God graphically portrayed how people receive his mercy. There is nothing they can do to earn it. God grants mercy and forgiveness out of his tremendous love for his people. He removes the filthy clothes (sins) and then provides new, clean, rich garments (his righteousness and holiness). (See also 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 4:24; and Revelation 19:8.)
Whenever you feel dirty and unworthy, go to God for cleansing. He can remove the stain of your sin and guilt and replace it with a clean conscience and pure heart.
