OVERCOMING
THE ACCUSER ZECHARIAH 3 and 4
I.
BACKGROUND OF THE BOOK OF
ZECHARIAH.
1.
Historical Background.
a.
The setting of the book is after one of the most
tragic seasons of Israel’s History the 70 year Babylonian Captivity (606-536
BC).
b.
The Jewish people returned after 70 years of captivity
to ruins. They were tasked with rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple.
i.
Jeremiah first prophesied it.
For thus
says the Lord: After seventy years
are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward
you, and cause you to return to this place. 11 For I
know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a
future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:10-11)
ii.
Isaiah Prophesied 200 years before King Cyrus that
Israel would be released from captivity and rebuild the temple.
28 Who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My
pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, “You shall be built,” And to the temple, “Your
foundation shall be laid.” (Isaiah 44:28)
iii.
Daniel was stirred reading the prophesies and
interceded for the release of the Jewish Captives. (Daniel 9)
iv.
Two Persians Kings were stirred to fulfill God’s will
in restoring Israel and financing the rebuilding of the temple.
Cyrus
(600-530 BC) released the captives and financed the rebuilding of the temple in
Jerusalem in 536 BC (Ezra 1). Darius helped the remnant
with finances in their efforts to rebuild the temple in 520 BC (Ezra 6).
2.
Zechariah the Prophet.
a.
Zechariah was a young man from a family of Priest.
b.
They returned from captivity while he was very young.
c.
Haggai was an old Prophet he had to learn from.
d.
Zechariah was martyred for his
message.
(Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51)
II.
SUMMARY OF THE FIRST THREE
VISIONS.
1.
Zechariah had 8 major visions in one night.
2.
Visions 1 through 3 focused on God’s promise to have
mercy on Israel and restore her to her homeland. Build the temple and fill the
place with Glory.
3. Visions
4 and 5 answer the question of how such a sinful people can receive such a
promise.
III.
THE FOURTH VISION: THE CLEANSING
OF JOSHUA.
1.
Joshua appeared before the Lord and Satan showed up.
1Then
he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the
LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse; NAS, NIV]
him. (Zechariah 3:1)
a.
Joshua was the spiritual leader of Israel (High
Priest).
b.
Satan means. (The Accuser)
c.
The Angel is the Pre-Incarnate Christ.
2.
The Lord rebukes Satan Twice.
2And the LORD said to Satan, “The
LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke
you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” (Zechariah 3:2)
3.
Satan’s Accusation in Heaven was duplicated by people
on earth.
1Then the prophet Haggai and
Zechariah…prophesied to the Jews…2So Zerubbabel…and Jeshua…rose
up and began to build the house of God…3At the same time
Tattenai the governor of the region beyond the River…spoke thus to them: “Who
has commanded you to build this temple?”…7They sent a letter
to him [King Darius]…8Let it be known to the king that…the
temple of the great God, which is being built with heavy stones, and timber is
being laid in the walls…17Let the king send us his pleasure
concerning this matter. (Ezra 5:1-17)
4.
God caused the King to rebuke the earthly accusation.
6Now therefore, Tattenai…7Let
the work of this house of God alone…8Let the cost be paid
at the king’s expense from taxes on the region beyond the River; this is to be
given immediately to these men, so that they are not hindered…12I
Darius issue a decree; let it be done diligently. (Ezra 6:6-12)
IV.
TWO STATEMENTS OF AMAZING
GRACE.
1.
“The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you.”
a.
Jerusalem’s history is very sordid and ungodly.
8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city
which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was
crucified. (Revelations 11:8)
b.
Is not this a brand plucked from the fire.
This is descriptive of God rescuing that, which should
have been consumed. He didn’t let it be consumed because he delights in mercy.
V.
THE APPLICATION OF GOD’S GRACE.
1.
Joshua was given new garments.
3Joshua was clothed with filthy
garments, and was standing before the Angel. 4Then He answered
and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy
garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your
iniquity…and I will clothe you with rich robes.” 5…I
said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban
on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the LORD stood
by. (Zechariah 3:3-5)
a.
Filthy Garments. Due to warfare, sin and Babylonian
compromise possible. He was guilty.
b.
God cleansed him in a moment. He totally reset Joshua.
c.
He clothed Joshua in new robes.
10For
He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with
the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments.
(Isaiah 61:10)
d.
See:
The Lord exhorted Joshua to “see” that He had
removed his sin and clothed him with rich robes (3:4). We must “see” these
truths in our own lives.
e. Turban Symbolic of His authority as a Priest and the
nations authority as a priestly nation.
5And
I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a
clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him…the Angel of the LORD
stood by. (Zechariah 3:5)
VI.
EXHORTATION TO WALK IN NEW
GRACE.
6Then the Angel of the LORD admonished Joshua,
saying, 7“Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘If you will walk in
My ways, and if you will keep My command [perform My service; NAS], then
you shall also judge My house, and likewise have charge of My
courts; I will give you places to walk among these who stand here.’” (Zechariah
3:6-7)
1.
Admonished to walk in God’s ways, Personal holiness.
2.
Keep the Charge, Be faithful in service and don’t quit.
3.
He would be able to judge God’s house
4. God
would give Him a place to walk among the Angels.
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