Bible Pathway - Sept. 28, 2011
Read Zechariah 1
Highlights:
The future Jerusalem comforted (Zech. 1:16-17) and restored (2:10). Satan ever accusing (3:1-2). Joshua the high priest, a foreshadow of Jesus, the BRANCH, the Source of all our spiritual blessings (3:8). Ten visions each interpreted by Scripture (chap. 4 — 6). False fast (7:5-6), true fast (7:8-10).
The situation was critical. Joshua the high priest (not the Joshua who was used of God to conquer the promised land) was ministering to Jehovah in filthy garments symbolic of his own sins and the sins of the people (Zech. 3:1-3). In a vision, Zechariah saw Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him (3:1). Satan, the accuser of our brethren (Rev. 12:10), will bring all sorts of accusations against a guilty Christian in an attempt to convince him that God will not accept him and that there is no use in going to the Lord for forgiveness and cleansing. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan (Zech. 3:2).
The Lord said: I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee (3:4). The filthy garments were taken away; on Joshua's head was placed a white linen turban crown. He was cleansed and commissioned. Christ alone is the Intercessor — the Mediator between God and men (I Tim. 2:5). If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9).
The Source of victory is discovered when one continues to seek the Lord and worship Him. We are assured that Satan will flee from us. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you (James 4:7-8).
Do you sense Satan at your right side, seeking to prevent you from standing before the Lord, trying to persuade you that you are not a child of God — not acceptable before Him, nor for His service? When we come to the end of our resources and lose confidence in our own abilities we learn to trust in the Lord. The work of God is not accomplished by might, nor by power (human intelligence, abilities, or finances), but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts (Zech. 4:6-7). Yielding to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is an indispensable act in living a true Christian life and accomplishing the will of God.
All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus . . . to declare His righteousness for the remission of (all) sins that are past, through the forbearance (mercy) of God (Rom. 3:23-25).
Thought for Today:
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God (II Cor. 3:5).
Christ Revealed:
As My Servant the BRANCH (Zech. 3:8). Christ was brought into the world in the fulness of the time (Gal. 4:4), and took upon Him the form of a servant (Phil. 2:7). But He will soon return as the Righteous Branch to reign as King (Jer. 23:5).
Word Studies:
1:15 helped forward the affliction increased your afflictions beyond My intentions; 1:19 horns world powers; 1:21 fray terrorize; 3:5 mitre turban; 5:1 roll the Word of God was written on parchment or skins, then rolled up.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Manuel A. Bov • Government Official: Rep. Bill Cassidy (LA) • Country: Armenia (3.8 million) southwest Transcaucasia between Europe and Asia • Major languages: Armenian and Russian • Religious freedom • 78.5% Armenian Apostolic Church; 3.3% Muslim; .05% Protestant; 17.7% Atheist/Agnostic • Prayer Suggestion: Begin every day with prayer (Ps. 88:13).
Memory Verse for the Week:
