Zechariah 3:4 And he answered and spoke unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
It is noteworthy that Joshua does not even attempt to answer the charges brought against him, because he knows they are for the most part true. This is the sort of reckoning that we must address, because in our busy schedules, we may not realize how far we might have fallen, or how far your steps might have slipped. Thus, God goes to work doing what He does best, as He embarks upon the work of healing and cleansing. He will also instruct Joshua and his people as to the part they are to play.
Let’s follow it closely, for it will clear up some concerns many Christians have with the issue of surrender. Zechariah 3:5 And I said, let them set a fair miter upon his head. So, they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by. The change of garments, the taking away of filthy raiment, and the removal of iniquity, all represent the righteousness of Jesus Christ that’s imputed and imparted to the believer, representing the healing we read of earlier, when persons were bitten by the serpents.
Then, the instructions: “If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge” represent the choice we make in cooperating with the work Jesus is doing in our hearts. But as far as actual healing and restoration goes, that work is God’s work alone, and He tells us how it is to be accomplished.
Zechariah 3:6 And the angel of the Lord protested unto Joshua, saying, 7 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; if you will walk in my ways and if thou will keep my charge, then you shall also judge my house, and shall also keep my courts, and I will give you places to walk among these that stand by.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!