Zechariah 3 The Branch and The Two Olive Trees

One of the most mysterious and powerful chapters in the Bible is found in Zechariah chapter 4. Two men, Jeshua the high priest, and Zerubbabel, the governor of Jerusalem, have been chosen by God to rebuild the Temple. The are faced with every conceivable obstacle and their spirits are quite depressed. I wonder how many reading this, are presently faced with insurmountable obstacles? I am! But this is when God can do his greatest work.

Prior to the remarkable happenings of Zechariah 4, Jeshua the high priest is being accused by The Accuser, Satan (or the adversary), before the Angel of the Lord. In the book of Revelation we read that Satan is the accuser of the brethren. I love what takes place next. There is Jeshua, standing before the Angel of the LORD with filthy dirty clothes, being accused by Satan. Then the Lord speaks up and says to Satan, "I reject your accusations, Satan...The Lord rebukes you! This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire." Then the Angel said, "Take off his filthy clothes." And turning to Jeshua he said, "See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes."

Before any great accomplishments can be made in life, we need to care for the most important hindrance--our sin. But we cannot do anything about this on our own--it is a gift of God, given to those who humbly realize that within them, there dwells no good thing--filthy rags. I know this will be difficult for some to swallow, but when we measure ourselves against a pure holy God, we cannot conceive how dreadfully far away we are. God desires to reclothe us, but we must first understand our need.

Now for the best part, chapter 4,...i feel like a drum roll is in order. I'm hearing some footsteps. Mom just woke up and as I am here visiting her, it is time for coffee and toast. We'll have to return to this great chapter later! Talk with you soon...you don't want to miss this next deposit!