Standing by to Help
Zechariah 3:3 – Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood there before the angel. 4 – the angel spoke up to those standing all around, “Remove his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “I have freely forgiven your iniquity and will dress you in fine clothing.”
Who were all those standing around Joshua and the angel? One thing is for certain – they knew Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes and they had no problem obeying the order to remove his clothes. They were not going to dress him in fine clothing without first taking off what was filthy.
The change of garment was accompanied with an incredible message. Joshua’s iniquity was freely forgiven.
Psalms 32:1 and 2 say: How blessed is the one whose rebellious acts are forgiven, whose sin is pardoned! How blessed is the one whose wrongdoing the LORD does not punish, in whose spirit there is no deceit.
There is a support system of the angelic host all around obeying the orders of the Lord of hosts – to assist us in our fight against sin. They are more than willing to facilitate the removal of our filthy garments and replace them with fine clothing. They want to see us forgiven! They want to see the blessing of God upon His children who used to act in rebellion. They want to finally enjoy our company as fellow worshipers of God!
Zechariah 3:6 and 7 continue with these words: Then the angel of the LORD exhorted Joshua solemnly: “The LORD who rules over all says, ‘If you live and work according to my requirements, you will be able to preside over my temple and attend to my courtyards, and I will allow you to come and go among these others who are standing by you.
Let’s accept the free forgiveness offered by God and know that the angelic host are ever standing by to help as our ministering spirits. Let’s look forward to joining the heavenly host in praising God for ever and ever!
Where two are gathered 