What did it mean to them? Joshua represented the people and this vision perfectly symbolized their sad situation. Both the priests and the people were sinful and even though the Temple was being rebuilt, could they really draw near to God and be accepted by Him? Could they offer up acceptable worship in their condition?
From this vision, they learn that God has forgiven them and clothed them with righteousness. What a kind mercy for them. They no doubt felt their failures in their bones as they returned from Babylon/Persia. Now they are told that God will accept them & their worship!
As a consequence of the Lord's work of grace, symbolized by what he did for Joshua, the Israelites also recognized that what they were experiencing was going to give way to something greater. They were just beginning to experience some of the blessings that would culminate by the coming of the Lord's servant, branch, stone with seven eyes, etc.
As God had promised them that He would dwell in their midst in ch. 2, now they see how that can be. God will forgive & clothed them with righteousness & that will happen through His servant who would take away their sin in one single day!
What does it mean to us? This chapter is a perfect picture of the Gospel! I want to bring out five important things that we can draw from this passage.
1. Your adversary, Satan, still accuses but you have an advocate. 2. As believers, you recognize that you too are chosen! 3. As by way of a question, let me ask you, do you view yourself as a "brand plucked from the fire?" 4. You too are forgiven and clothed in Christ. 5. As those mercifully forgiven, should we not "walk in my ways and keep my charge" (v. 7)?
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Dr. Mark Herzer has been the pastor of Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church (P.C.A.) in Warminster, PA since 1997. Before this, he was ordained to labor as an Assistant Pastor of Korean United Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia (1992-1995). He received his M.A.R. and Ph. D....