Dark Side 3

Zechariah 3:1-2

If it had been left up to us I would have remained as a staff member at our previous church, preaching about four times a year and working to guide others in their own ministry. But the situation changed and we had to leave our other church. That departure, as much as it grieved us, allowed us to begin a very fruitful ministry where we are now.

Many people quote the old adage – “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” We felt defeated at the time but now see that God was prepared to bless us in the situation.

The prophet Zechariah is given a vision from God, a message to those who believe. Who is standing before God? What does God say to Satan? Who is Joshua?

According to the scholars Zechariah recorded his vision in approximately 520 B.C., five centuries before the birth of Jesus. Yet, this encounter seems to be a sign of what will come. In Hebrew “Joshua” is actually “Yeshua,” which translates into Greek as “Jesus.”

So, we have Jesus standing before God being accused, or tormented, by Satan. But God will have none of it, and instead rebukes Satan and claims Jesus as a man snatched from the fires of hell. If you continue reading in Zechariah 3 (Zechariah 3:3-9) the symbolism of Christ is even more apparent.

But what has this to do with us? How does this address the dark side of existence?

Zechariah’s vision here shows us the mercy and love of God. No matter how much Satan may accuse and pester the faithful believer God refuses to fall into his trap. Rather, God is merciful and caring, ready to bless the faithful believer.

We can be like Joshua in this vision. We may feel tattered and beaten by life. We may feel that Satan is beside us kicking at us and picking at us, whispering all manner of foul things about us to God. We may feel not only accused, but condemned and hopeless.

But we must trust that God will bless us. God will be with us to protect and care for us no matter how near Satan might stand or how fierce his attacks may be. We are loved by God and so, we are secure in God’s presence.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can remind you that God is with you even when Satan attacks?