“THE ACCUSER AND THE REBUKER”
(Zechariah 1:1-6; Haggai 2:10-23; Zechariah 1:7 – 3:10)
“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. And the LORD said to Satan, ‘The LORD rebuke you, O Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you!’” – Zechariah 3:1-2
If you’re anything like me, there are times when my mind gets stuck on replaying many of the bad things I did in the past. When I have those moments, it makes me feel rather worthless and evil. When those times come, I have to remind myself that I am forgiven – my sins have been washed in the blood of Jesus, and I am a child of God!
The prophet Zechariah speaks of Joshua going through a very similar time. Satan is accusing him of many things. But, then the Lord then speaks a word of rebuke to the enemy! It’s still that way today! Satan is the “accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10), and Jesus still “rebukes the devil!” (Matthew 17:18).
When you go through a time when it seems as though your thoughts are wrapped up in a cloak of your sinful past, throw off that nasty garment, and put on the “garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness!” (Isaiah 61:3)
Simple Truth:
Your past doesn’t define who you are! You are redeemed, forgiven, and a child of God!
Reflections & Application:
- When your thoughts start to dwell on difficult things, change your “thinking process” by reading God’s Word, worshiping Him in Spirit and in truth, and fellowshipping with other believers.
- If the devil wants to remind you of your past, remind him of his future!
- Great counsel is found in Colossians 2:7 – “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You that You have forgiven my of my sins – past, present and future – and that You have placed Your Holy Spirit within me. Lead me and guide me today and every day to walk in Your will and do what pleases You. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen!
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
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