ZECHARIAH 3 v 1-6

CHOSEN FOR SERVICE

V I CHOSEN; Zechariah was given a vision of Joshua, standing in the presence of God and being prepared for the vocation that God had assigned Joshua. This Joshua was to be the High Priest of Israel who having been released from captivity in Babylon was returning to Jerusalem., EPHESIANS I v 4 ; According as He has chosen us before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him at His coming. While all Christians are chose of God to be His witnesses on earth some are given greater responsibilities because of their desires to serve God in some special ways or because they have greater abilities. Whatever capacity we work, in it is a privilege and a pleasure JOHN 15 v 16 ; You have not chosen Me. but I have chosen you and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you. CONFRONTED ; Satan, though originally cast out of heaven, appears to have had access to heaven. Satan could not say that Joshua was not a fit person to be the High Priest. Whatever Joshua's way of life had been in Babylon, he appeared before God as a forgiven man in a right relationship with God. REVELATION 12 v 10 ; And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, now is come salvation and strength and the kingdom of our God and the power of His Christ, for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God, day and night. As long as we are in a right relationship with God satan will have nothing to accuse us of before God. I CORINTHIANS 10 v 13 ; There is no temptation taken you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able, but will with the temptation make a way to escape that you may be able to bear it. V 2 ; CHANGED ; God Himself stood by Joshua and rebuked satan's false charge. God was satisfied with Joshua's fitness to be the High Priest . He was a brand plucked out of the fire. ROMANS 12 v 2 ; And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. All Christians become kings and priests to God to minister to each other and to bring the unsaved into the kingdom of God. REVELATION 1 v 6 ; And has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father, to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. 1 PETER 2 v 9 ; But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people ; that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light. Having invited us to come to Him for salvation, Jesus then says, Go you therefore and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.. And lo, I am with you alway. V 3 ; CLOTHED ; Joshua had the wrong garments on for a High Priest and God provided the right robes and headgear. Christians will have the white robes of righteousness to wear. Revelation 6 V 9 -11; And when he had opened the fifth seal I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, how long 0 God Holy and true dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth ? And white robes were given unto every one of them , that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also, and their brethren that should be killed as they were should be fulfilled. ISAIAH 61 v 10 ; I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God, for He has clothed me in garments of salvation .He has covered me with the robe of righteousness as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. REVELATION 19 v 7-8 ; Let us be glad and rejoice and give honour to Him, for the marriage of the

Lamb is come and His wife has made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed In fine linen, clean and white, for the fine linen Is the righteousness of the saints. V 4 ; CLEANSED ; Joshua's sins were forgiven and he was set apart by God for the highest position in Israel. He was then worthy to put on the priestly garments of his office. I JOHN I v 9; If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 JOHN 1 v 7 ; But If we walk in the light as He Is In the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son, cleanses us from sin. God sanctifies us and ordains us and we wear a spiritual robe of righteousness Then He sends us out into the world to preach the gospel to all people, by word of mouth and the way we live Christ in our lives. V 5 ; CROWNED ; The mitre was an emblem of authority for kings and priests. We have our authority and ordination given us by Christ, MATTHEW 28 v 19-20 ; and the Holy Spirit lndwells us to gulde and teach us in the Christian walk. While we do not usually wear a uniform to identify us as Christians, people can read us like a book and some of them may not like what they see in us. May we meditate on the word of God regularly and hide It In our hearts that we might not sin against God and quench the Holy Spirit. V 6-7 ; COMMISSIONED ; Thus says the Lord of hosts. Joshua was given the same kind of commission that born again believers get. Having repented of your sins, sought forgiveness from God and accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, now go forth and show your sincerity in wanting to be a Christian and live like one. Not only tell people about Jesus but show them how Jesus has been Improving your life and the hope of eternal life that He has promised all believers. Take my life and let It be consecrated Lord to Thee. Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise Take my voice and let me sing, always only for my King. Take my lips and let them be, filled with messages from Thee. Take my will and make It Thine, it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart Is Thine own it shall be Thy royal throne.