“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9
There are many places in the Old Testament where we see beautiful foreshadowings of the gospel. But my favorite gospel glimpse is in Zechariah 3.
There we read that the scene is the heavenly courtroom. The case seems like a slam dunk for Satan, the prosecuting attorney. The guilt of the high priest Joshua is evidenced by the filthy clothes he wears, representing his sin. In God’s amazing grace, He doesn’t even allow Satan to speak. Then in an act of election, He snatches Joshua from the fire and removes the dirty garment, signifying the forgiveness of his sin. When He places a clean garment on Joshua, we picture vividly what it means to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ. What’s more, He restores Joshua to his role as high priest, placing on his head a turban with the words, “Holy To The Lord” (Exodus 28:36-37).
What has Joshua done to deserve this or make it happen? Nothing. It is all an act of God’s grace. Chosen, Rescued, Forgiven, Declared Righteous and Holy. Friends, this all paints a portrait of what Jesus has done for us.
There we read that the scene is the heavenly courtroom. The case seems like a slam dunk for Satan, the prosecuting attorney. The guilt of the high priest Joshua is evidenced by the filthy clothes he wears, representing his sin. In God’s amazing grace, He doesn’t even allow Satan to speak. Then in an act of election, He snatches Joshua from the fire and removes the dirty garment, signifying the forgiveness of his sin. When He places a clean garment on Joshua, we picture vividly what it means to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ. What’s more, He restores Joshua to his role as high priest, placing on his head a turban with the words, “Holy To The Lord” (Exodus 28:36-37).
What has Joshua done to deserve this or make it happen? Nothing. It is all an act of God’s grace. Chosen, Rescued, Forgiven, Declared Righteous and Holy. Friends, this all paints a portrait of what Jesus has done for us.
Scripture Focus
Zechariah 3:1-5
Insight
FAVORITE OLD TESTAMENT GOSPEL GLIMPSE by Pastor Kevin Daane. He has written three Anchors, is a director for Engaging Disability With The Gospel, is a dad and grandpa, and is married to Kathy, Anchor’s editor.
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 7
- Psalm 64
- John 5