“Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel” (Zechariah 3:3).
TEXT — Zechariah 3:3,4
Message
John Cecil Rhodes, a South African statesman who served as Prime Minister of Cape Colony, invited a young man to dinner. The young man arrived by train and had to go directly to Rhodes’ house in his travel-stained clothes. To the young guest’s horror, he found a room full of people in full evening dress. Soon, Rhodes appeared, wearing an old suit. He had heard of the young man’s problem and wanted to spare him further embarrassment.
Prophet Zechariah saw a vision involving Joshua, the high priest, who stood in filthy garments before the angel. The situation was aggravated by Satan standing on the right hand of the high priest to resist him. Sensing the utter powerlessness of Joshua, the Lord commanded the angel to take the filthy garments away and directed that new clean clothes be given to him. This signifies the removal of the garments of iniquities from the high priest. And the new clothes symbolise his new status.
The high priest’s garments were given for beauty and glory. Filthy garments exemplify sin. The authority of God’s servants is removed once they are defiled and are not in good standing with God. The devil can easily resist such ministers whose garments are soiled and tarnished with iniquity. When this happens, the security of the flock is compromised.
We learn critical lessons from Joshua’s filthy garments. What garments are you wearing? Are they spotless? If not, plead with the Lord to change your garments instead of covering it up with such religious activities as prayer and fasting. The high calling of God cannot save an unholy man. Holiness is required by God if we are to make a meaningful impact in life and service.
Thought for the day
Your appearance sometimes determines your acceptance.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
2 comments
How is praying and fasting becomes religious activities.If our garment is stained and we need to plead with God,what other medium to approach this apart from praying or fasting ?
I really believe and appreciate this man of God, for he has impacted so much in my life.
May Almighty God continue to add more power to you as u grow old so shall Ur strength be renewed AMEN
How is praying and fasting becomes religious activities.If our garment is stained and we need to plead with God,what other medium to approach this apart from praying or fasting ?
I really believe and appreciate this man of God, for he has impacted so much in my life.
May Almighty God continue to add more power to you as u grow old so shall Ur strength be renewed AMEN