Filthy Made Clean

I am glad you are back after reading the opening of Zechariah. The visions are wild but carry a strong message from God. I really hope Zechariah had enough pen and paper to jot down everything. Last time we looked at three of the eight visions. The next two visions are part of the passage today. We will look at the visions in reverse order because my brain logically thinks first who is in charge to rebuild (let’s go!) and second who is in charge after the grand opening (what now?)?

In Zechariah 4, the vision of the lampstand and olive trees communicate the message that two “anointed ones” (4:14) are charged to rebuild the temple of God in Jerusalem. The note in my Bible says the two are most likely Joshua (high priest) and Zerubbabel (governor) which I agree with because God tells Zechariah in 4:8-9 that Zerubbabel started rebuilding and is going to complete it. In the vision, the lampstand represents the temple that will stand strong and tall. The olive trees are positioned on either side of the lampstand. What is the significance of that? I think Zechariah 4:5-7 explains clearly through the angel messenger that the Spirit of God, through his people, is what will fuel the rebuilding of the temple to completion. Obstacles and challenges will arise, but God assures the people, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” This is what I will remember about the vision of the lampstand and olive trees. God is going to ask me to be a part of his work that looks daunting or nearly impossible. I want to remember in those moments to rely on the Spirit instead of my own might or power. I want to step out in faith to trust God like Joshua and Zerubbabel. Also, when small efforts do not look like they are creating results, I want to trust God to use my meager offerings for what God desires like the kid with two fish and five loaves of bread (Matthew 14:18-20).

Now that we understand Joshua and Zerubbabel are in charge of rebuilding the temple, back up to Zechariah 3 to see who is in charge once the temple is built. The angel messenger of God shows Zechariah the prophet a vision of Joshua the current high priest. What is happening? Joshua is on trial, in front of the angel of the Lord, accused by Satan. Joshua is clothed with filthy garments to represent all the people of God accused of their sin, their rebellion against the Holy One of Israel. But wait, if Joshua is unclean, how is he going to intercede in the temple as the high priest for the people of God? In those days, high priests were set apart to remain clean so that they could go into parts of the temple to offer sacrifices to God to pay for the sins of the people. Who could stand in the place of Joshua, in my place, that is clean without sin? The coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, is referred to as the Branch in 3:8, “I will bring my servant the Branch.” For more context to connect the dots on how Jesus is the Branch from the root of Jesse, the father of King David you can read Ezekiel 34:24 and Isaiah 11:1. The summary of the vision is God appoints Joshua over the temple once it is completed and announces the coming of Jesus the great high priest (Hebrews 4:14-16) that in his holiness will come down to earth to make us clean forever.