FLAWED BUT FORGIVEN

Discussion

The prophet Zechariah had a vision that still teaches us today the nature of our relationship with God. In his vision, Joshua the high priest stood before the angel of God. Being a high priest was not a political appointment by running and winning elections. It wasn't obtained by popular votes. Rather, it was a consecration by belonging to the family of Levi. The office was to be hereditary and to be preserved in perpetuity in the family of Aaron (Exodus 29:9 , Exodus 29:29 ). For example, Aaron, the first high priest of God's temple was succeeded by his son Eleazar (Numbers 20:28). The high priest was to show his consecration by maintaining certain regular rituals like washing his garments, sprinkling with blood etc. However, in this vision, Joshua the high priest stood wearing filthy rags (tsô' tsô', meaning to be soiled (as if excrementitious). As if that weren't enough, standing at his right hand was Satan, accusing him. Joshua was obviously flawed and deserved to be thrown out of God's presence, instead, the Lord rebuked the devil and affirmed that Joshua had been chosen by God Himself (Zech 3:2). The Lord chose Joshua, appointed him a high priest and forgave all his flaws. Joshua was helpless, buy the Lord himself cleaned up Joshua and dressed him appropriately. Hallelujah! This is what it means to be chosen by God. A child of God is one who has been chosen by God. Although he may be flawed, but he has been forgiven(Eph 4:32). Stop beating yourself up for having a moral or character flaw. Your flaws do not nullify God's forgiveness. Just as in Joshua the high priest, the God in who's presence you stand, will strip you of every flaw, and present you before his glorious presence without a single blemish. Trust in Him and stay standing before Him. Shalom Uvracha!