ESOCS Devotional 12 September 2024 – Be faithful in His Service
MEMORY VERSE: ““Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘If you will walk in my ways and if you will perform my service, then you will also govern my house and also have charge of my courts and I will grant you free access among these who are standing here.” Zechariah 3:7 NIV
TEXT: ZECHARIAH 3:1-10
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. 2 And 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?”
3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel.
4 Then 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 from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.”
5 And 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.
6 Then 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,
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.
8 ‘Hear, O Joshua, the high priest,
You and your companions who sit before you,
For they are a wondrous sign;
For behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH.
9 For behold, the stone
That I have laid before Joshua:
Upon the stone are seven eyes.
Behold, I will engrave its inscription,’
Says the Lord of hosts,
‘And I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
10 In that day,’ says the Lord of hosts,
‘Everyone will invite his neighbor
Under his vine and under his fig tree.’ ”
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Today’s reading is about a vision of heavenly courtroom shown to Prophet Zechariah, in which he saw Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord and being accused by Satan. This Joshua is the high priest who returned to Jerusalem among the first group of exiles from Babylon (Ezra 2). oshua (Jeshua) was involved in building the house of God.
Joshua was a young man zealous for the Lord who was labouring in rebuilding the Lord’s house. From the Book of Ezra, we can see how committed and faithful Joshua was when the first batch of captives started rebuilding the Temple among stiff opposition. He was not only zealous, but meticulous and orderly in doing his duty – first, they established the sacrifices -a reminder of forgiveness of sins and covenant and then they moved on to the laborious job of building the Temple. Thus, Joshua was sold out for the Lord and was determined to see the Temple constructed at any cost.
However, in today’s reading we see the Lord allowing Zechariah to see what was happening in the spirit world! Satan was standing there to accuse Joshua. When we labour in the Lord’s vineyard with zeal and clear focus without bothering about anything else, there will always be another side. The devil will always try to accuse us!!
Starting from verse 1, we can see how God dealt with this situation. None of the accusations of Satan (the accuser) could stand before God!! He vindicated Joshua: “Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” (v 2). Accusations can come from unexpected quarters and even through familiar people – but understand that the source is the same. It is not the hardships at the field or the persecutions against the work that would discourage a servant of God – but Satan knows the most effective and time-tested weapon in pulling down a firebrand servant of God—accusations!
But believers have an advocate in Jesus Christ through whom we are clothed in the righteousness of God! That’s God’s doing—only His grace can work it! It is marvellous in our eyes. However, God requires faithfulness from us, He said, “If you will walk in my ways and if you will perform my service….” Faithfulness is the key. Jesus said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his house hold to give them their portion of food in due season?” What is expected of a servant is faithfulness “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
- Do not be disheartened by your afflictions. God will reward your endurance.
- Lord, help me to be courageous, strong and faithful at perilous times.
Further Reading: Ruth 2:1-13; Luke 11:29-36; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
ESOCS Devotional 12 September 2024
