Day 3: Cleansed for Service – Joshua the High Priest and the Branch
Zechariah 3 The fourth vision brings us into the heavenly courtroom. Joshua the high priest stands before the angel of the Lord, and Satan stands at his right hand to resist him (3:1). Joshua is clothed with filthy garments—symbol of the sin and defilement of the priesthood and the people. The Lord rebukes Satan: “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” (3:2). Then the command is given: “Take away the filthy garments from him.” To Joshua the Lord says, “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment” (3:4). A fair mitre is set upon his head. The high priest is cleansed and restored to service. Yet the vision does not end with Joshua. The Lord of hosts declares, “Hear now, O Joshua the high priest… for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the Branch… For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eye...