“Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, ‘Take off his filthy clothes.’ Then he said to Joshua, ‘See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.’ Then I said, ‘Put a clean turban on his head.’ So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the Lord stood by."
- Zechariah 3:3-5 -

Joshua, the high priest, in Zechariah 3 represents the nation Israel, particularly the returned exiles from Babylon. Joshua’s clothes were “filthy” (3) – it implied that it was not just dirty but also ceremonially impure. The Israelites went into captivity to Babylon due to their unfaithfulness. Israel was still in sin and dirty. So they deserved the accusations of Satan. Yet the Lord rebuked Satan (2). And the grace of forgiveness was given to Joshua. And fine clothes were given to him (4-5). We see here God's one-sided grace on us by forgiving us of our sins. It comes to us through Jesus Christ and His atonement on the cross. In Him, our filthy sins are forgiven. We are clothed with Jesus Christ. We live as His royal priesthood (1 Pe 2:9).

Prayer: Lord, thank you for taking off my filthy garments of sin and replacing them with the fine clothes of Jesus Christ. I praise your one-sided grace.