“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith.” Colossians 2:6,7
There was so much involved, when in the history of Israel, after in some measure she had returned from the captivity, and had begun to rebuild the temple, she was hindered for about fifteen years and unable to complete it. There were several moving parts in this scenario, the most dominant for a time was the opposition, both spiritual and physical, to the rebuilding of the temple. There were three others also, the first of which was the role and responsibility of the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel. His position and role would be essential if the necessary authority would be applied to push forward with the rebuilding. Then there was the high priest, Joshua, whose role was critical also, as he was in a spiritual position, not only to intercede for the people and the situation, but to be the very example of God’s representative before the people. Then there was the remnant of the people. This was that group of faithful believers whose importance cannot be minimized, for by their efforts, born out of a fear and reverence of God, being of one heart and mind believed the word of God, understood the will of God, and were committed to obeying God’s voice. Though each of these three entities played a significant role in the rebuilding of the temple, there was one in particular that Satan sought to cripple, and render unfit, and useless, to stop this endeavor. His attack would be upon Joshua the high priest. How did he do this?
In Zechariah’s vision that he received from the Lord, we see Joshua the high priest, “…standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.” (Zech. 3:1) As Satan was then, so he is today, “…the accuser of our brethren,” who uses the spiritual tactic of accusing, condemning, and criticizing relentlessly the believer, “day and night.” In this scenario of Joshua before the “angel of the Lord,” he stands without speaking, offering no defense for his sins. The “angel of the Lord” is the Lord Jesus Himself, knowing everything involved in this matter. It is for this reason that the Lord rebukes Satan, in essence silencing him, even though Satan has legitimate grounds for condemning Joshua. We do not know the details, but there was sin in Joshua’s life, for it is represented by the Lord’s description of them being “filthy garments.” Twice He uses this description. It is then, after rebuking Satan, that the Lord commands that these “filthy garments” be removed and taken away. But this is not enough to remedy the situation, for then the Lord addresses Joshua directly: “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment (or clothes).” When sin had been dealt with, and there remained no more basis for Satan to accuse, and condemn Joshua. It is then that the Lord of hosts’ marching orders were given to him: “If you will WALK in My ways and if you will KEEP my command, then you will judge My house and likewise have charge of My courts.” (Zech. 3:7) In one moment, after sin had been dealt with, all according to the word of the Lord, Joshua was restored not only to his position, but to communion with God, that place of devotion to Him, where God could bless him.
Joshua’s marching orders from God were basically those given to Abraham when he was ninety-nine years old: “I am Almighty God; WALK before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you and will multiply you exceedingly.” (Gen. 17:1,2) The call of God is for the believer, the Christian, the disciple, to walk before God, by the Spirit, in a manner worthy of Him. That “walk” is a devoted commitment to God, following Christ according to His revealed will, His word. Blessings always accompany Christ’s call.
Dear Father, Lead us faithfully onward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.