The Fourth Vision
Bible Text: Zechariah 3:1-10 | Preacher: Henry De Oliveira | Series: Zechariah’s Prophecies | Introduction
We have now come to the 4th vision
Previously dealt with the externals of the return of Jerusalem
These visions were a reminder that God had not forgotten them
Zechariah means ‘God remembers’
The visions would encourage the people to persevere
Quick reminder of visions
The 4th vision
Not the external problems
The internal problem – their inner condition
Reading v1-4
This has a great impact upon my life – this shows us the Gospel
v1
Zechariah sees what appears to be a court scene
Joshua as the offender
Satan as the prosecutor
The Angel of the Lord – judge and defender
A physical representation of what happens in the spiritual realm
It answers the question of how filthy sinners can be accepted by a pure God
There are big truths in the passage – topics
Overview:
Who are the characters involved?
What is the problem faced?
What is the Lord’s solution?
Who are the characters involved?
Joshua – the high priest(offender)
Mentioned in the Old Testament but not much recorded about him
Not he that is significant but his office
He was set apart as high priest to officially represent all of Israel
Special clothing
Only rituals he could perform – e.g. Day of Atonement
This scene represents what is happening on the Day of Atonement
When God is presented with sin – surely wrath and anger must follow
No sin is hidden
Yet the high priest was able to declare each year that sin was atoned for
Why?
Joshua represents all of God’s people
This vision can be applied to the Church today
We are to take our place in the dock
Satan (the accuser)
His role of accuser of God’s people is emphasised here
He stands at Joshua’s right hand
He acts as prosecutor
He doesn’t overlook any of his offenses
Does this not remind us of Job 1-2
He hates to see any stand before God and receive favour
He goes around like a roaring lion – he wants to devour us
He is cunning with words and deceit
He wants to strip God of His glory
He accuses God’s people
He continually accuses God’s people – Rev 12:10
The Lord is able to rebuke him!
The Lord (the judge)
The Angel of the Lord
He receives worship
In appearing to Moses and Joshua – it was holy ground
He received their worship
He must be God – the express image of the Godhead
He speaks as God
He is uniquely qualified to speak in God’s name
He will remove our filthy garments and clothe us in righteousness
He has two roles
Judge – Acts 10, John 5:22
The Strong, Mighty Defender of His people
What is the problem faced?
Why is there a courtroom scene?
The high priest would have to prepare himself – wash in oil and wear beautiful clothes
Yet he was dressed in filthy garments
In reality – he was one who was filthy
The people were filthy
God reveals outwardly what He sees inwardly
A very strong word – clothed in excrement
Symbolic of the spiritual condition of the people
It represents our sinful nature
Our sin cannot be washed away
Isa 64:6
Many today would say that they do not deserve to be called a filthy sinner
But we have all fallen short of the glory of God
God sees our heart and all our sin
Not merely our sinful acts but our sinful nature
We are the vilest offenders
This is the ugly truth that Joshua is representing
Joshua could not defend himself against satan’s accusations
He could not defend himself before God
Do you recognise this is what our sinfulness looks like before God?
There will be sinfulness in our hearts and ugliness in our life
What is the Lord’s solution?
v2 – “The Lord rebuke you”
Even though we are ugly and defenceless – the judge chooses to stand in our defence
God vindicates His own purposes and character
Although God’s people are being attacked, it is really an attack on God
God accepts us because He has chosen them
It is an act of divine grace and mercy
Joshua and the people could do nothing to be rescued
God saves them
v4 – Clothed in righteousness
The filthy garments (the iniquity) removed & clothed in rich robes [righteousness]
No work attributed to Joshua – Christ has done all the work
This is how we are to come
God removes all our sin – it is necessary that our filthy garments are removed
Past tense – it is done
2 Cor 5:21
Joshua was not acquitted – Christ took the punishment on Himself
This he does for all [who believe in Him]
Christ becomes our garment of salvation
Put on Christ
In Christ – satan will flee
Closing Remarks