In Chapter Three of his book, Zechariah has a vision that gives a great portrayal of God’s mercy towards us. He saw Jeshua, who was Israel’s high priest when the remnant returned, standing before the angel of the Lord…
The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua. 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.”
Jeshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the angel. 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.” Zechariah 3: 2-4
Satan is always accusing us of our sins before God. God’s mercy has been the reoccurring theme running through my mind these past few days, and how perfect it is to have it be the theme of today’s post. We serve a mighty God!! Oh, the depth of God’s mercy and forgiveness toward those who believe in Him! As I write this I am reminded of a quote from Corrie ten Boom, “There is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still.”
“Listen to me, O Jeshua the high priest, and all you other priests. You are symbols of things to come. Soon I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. Now look at the jewel I have set before Jeshua, a single stone with seven facets. I will engrave an inscription on it, says the Lord of Heavens Armies, and I will remove the sins of this land in a single day.
“And on that day each of you will invite your neighbor to sit with you peacefully under your own grapevine and fig tree.” Zechariah 3: 8-1
The Branch refers to the Messiah. Look at what the prophet Jeremiah said about the Branch….
“Behold, the days are coming that I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.
In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Jeremiah 23: 5-7
God said, “I will remove the sins of this land in a single day.” And this was fulfilled in Christ who “suffered for our sins once for all time… to bring us safely home to God!” God also promises we believers will have our own place of security during Christ’s reign. The prophet Micah prophecies about this as well…
“Everyone will live in peace and prosperity, enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees, for there will be nothing to fear.” Micah 4: 4
