Honorably Acquitted

As followers of Christ, all of us are guilty of trudging around with a burdensome piece of luggage labeled guilt, filled with past stains and flaws that Satan uses to convince us that we are failures. These past sins, though confessed and forgiven, have the ability (if we let them), to eclipse the abundant, joyful life we have in Jesus Christ. Israel, because of her idolatrous ways, was given over by God to her captives. But God in His mercies granted them a return from exile through the reign of Persian king, Darius. In his examination of his people’s history, Ezra makes a
profound statement: “From the days of our forefathers until now, our guilt has been
great. Because of our sins we…have been subjected to the sword and captivity…” (Ez.9:7). They had dishonored God and were guilty of their sins! And for that there was a price to pay. They had a city to rebuild and they were going to be judged. Zechariah chapter three sets the stage for this remarkable courtroom showdown. In a vision, God revealed to the prophet Zechariah, the spiritual representative of the people standing before the angel of the Lord. Here, Satan, the accuser, was the prosecutor (Zech.3:1). Does this picture look familiar? How often does Satan level accusations against us because of our sins? Note Joshua’s appearance as he stood before the Lord (3:3). How often do you feel unworthy because of the stains of the past? Fortunately, there was a Righteous Advocate in the courtroom that day. As soon as Beelzebub stood to deliver his argument, the Lord, in defense of His people said: “The Lord rebuke you Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! To His chosen, the Lord has promised that He “will remove the sin of the land in one day.” If we follow the prescription of: confession, repentance, and turning away then we too can leave the courtroom knowing that we are honorably acquitted!