Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. Zechariah 3:3
I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to
complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume
for this book. For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted
review of Zechariah 3:3, which the commentary outlines as the third
of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10). The commentary shares Satan Wants Us to Feel Innocent When We Are Guilty as the title for this single verse 3. The commentary then shares two ways that Satan seeks to keep us from going to God for forgiveness when we sin. The first way is to make us feel "hopeless," that God cannot and will not forgive us. The second strategy God uses to keep us from going to Him for forgiveness is when we feel normal - that nothing is wrong with our sin - when we sin, so we continue in the sin. This latter strategy is in play with v3. The commentary then describes Joshua's condition in the Hebrew translation as being "filthy" in the strongest possible terms, including excrement. The commentary shares that "Joshua is standing there, trying to serve the Lord, yet he is absolutely contaminated. The irony, though, is that Joshua seems to think he is acceptable. After all, he is “dressed,” showing that he considers himself to be prepared to serve and minister in the temple. He is standing before the Angel of the Lord, apparently believing that he is ready to do God’s work and to be in the Lord’s presence. He thinks he is fine. This is a portrait of how Satan will work when we are contaminated with sin. He will try to convince us that we are innocent, even when there is great guilt in our lives." We are referred to 1 John 1:8 and 10 where John shares that we all sin and need a savior - all of humanity. We are encouraged to practice the spiritual disciplines, particularly daily Bible study and prayer as a means for us to abide and remain in Him and Him in us. See also John 15:1-11. We need to stay close God for God to stay close to us. The commentary wraps with "we open ourselves us to Satan’s deception. He wants us to feel innocent when we are guilty so that we deceive ourselves and continue in our sin." Draw near to God!
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God that helps me - by giving me faith, and by giving me mercies that are new every morning and never cease! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings nor my salvation. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
