Can you visualize it? You’re holding a stick in a fire, maybe roasting a marshmallow, and the stick (or marshmallow, for the delicious s’mores) catches on fire. You react, and snatch it away from the fire. You saved the stick from becoming ash in the pit, or the marshmallow from being charred into carbonization.
That’s the imaginary for Jeshua (the high priest), Satan, and the Lord at the beginning of Zechariah chapter 3. The Lord pretty much said, “Not today, Satan”, and “By the way, Jeshua, your sins are forgiven. Put on a new you clothed in Me.” THAT, my friend, is what Jesus can do for you too! He can save and forgive you from your smut and ash.
Satan, the Accuser (verse 1), loves nothing more than to tell you who he wants you to believe you are, and to entice you into a world of destruction. Y’all, another name for Satan is Liar, Father of lies (John 8:44). Don’t give him any attention. Focus on Christ and believe who He says you are. You are worthy, loved, forgiven, and so much more. Turn to Him.
In verse 7 we read, If you follow my ways and carefully serve me, then you will…it reminded me of Deuteronomy 11:22, when the Lord said, “Be careful to obey all these commands I am giving you. Show love to the LORD your God by walking in His ways and holding tightly to Him. Then…” And again in 1 Kings 3:14, “And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” Then, in John 8:12 we read, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” We could continue in the “if you follow me” game with God, and each time you will discover that following the Lord leads to great blessings and eternal life.
This chapter is leading me to want to dive deeper and study all the symbolism more. I hope you will read and be filled with the desire to want to know more about God’s word. There’s your challenge…go read and go deep.
Oh, one more foreshadowing insight…in verse 8 we read “Soon I am going to bring my servant, the Branch.” That’s Jesus!
Happy diving into God’s word.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
Featured photo…has nothing to do with the scripture reading, but isn’t Maui adorable? I’ll answer for you, “yes”.
OH! The title made me think about how this is Super Bowl weekend. Two teams going for a prize. The thing is with The Ridiculer vs The Reconciler is we already know who wins! Go, Jesus!
