Joshua and the Angel
Audio:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/8FWywmYUS5o?list=PL4ByrircmXL4AIWLkRrpeoEq_A6VmA54y
Zechariah's vision of Joshua and the Angel applies with peculiar force to the experience of God's people in the closing scenes of the great day of atonement. Those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the dragon and his hosts. But while
the followers of Christ have sinned, they have not given themselves up to be controlled by the satanic agencies. They have repented of their sins and have sought the Lord in humility and contrition, and the divine Advocate pleads in their behalf.
In vision the prophet beholds Joshua the high priest,...clothed with filthy garments. Zechariah 3:1, 3, standing before the Angel of the Lord, entreating God's mercy in behalf of his afflicted people. As he pleads ...Satan stands up boldly to resist him. ... He claims them as his prey.
Then the Angel, who is Christ Himself, ...puts to silence the accuser of His people.
....the command is given, Take away the filthy garments from him; and to Joshua the Angel says, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. Zechariah 3:4.
Satan's accusations against those who seek the Lord are not prompted by displeasure at their sins. He exults in their defective characters; for he knows that only through their transgression of God's law can he obtain power over them.
As Satan accused Joshua and his people, so in all ages he accuses those who seek the mercy and favor of God. He is the accuser of our brethren, . . . which accused them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:10.
He leads men into skepticism, causing them to lose confidence in God and to separate from His love; he tempts them to break the law and then claims them as his captives, contesting Christ's right to take them from him.