In today's reading, the courtroom has become the laundry room as it becomes the sanctuary. The prophet Zechariah sees a vision of the high priest Joshua standing before God. Think of God as judge and Joshua as defendant. To the priest's right is the accuser, the prosecutor, so to speak. The accuser has a case against Joshua. Taking this vision to stand for the people of Israel, the accuser has a case against the people.
They are dirty. There is no question because Joshua stands wearing filthy clothes.
This should be a slam dunk case for the accuser. Instead, God rebukes him. Then Joshua's dirty clothes get replaced by party clothes. Maybe even royal clothes.
Again, there's no denying what the right verdict against Joshua should be. The Lord, however, doesn't take delight in condemning our obvious guilt. Instead, God promises Joshua redemption. Rome wasn't built in a day, says the old adage. Oh, but God's grace can work wonders in a day. The Lord says, "I will remove the guilt of this land in a single day" (Zechariah 3:9).
Now, put yourself in Joshua's place in the courtroom. You know how dirty your clothes are right now. Our collective laundry isn't any better. We have not walked in God's way of holiness, justice and mercy. The accusation is correct, then, isn't it?
But, in Zechariah's vision, did you notice that the command was for someone else to remove Joshua's dirty clothes? And did you hear God say, "I have taken your guilt away" (3:4)?
Today is a single day. A single day to recognize and accept the redemption offer we know in Jesus. The accuser had a case against you. But God has looked on us all with grace. Now, with your change of clothes, you can set your way to God's purposes.
Stay blessed...john | 
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