Who is Your Accuser?
<>
I KNOW I STAND ACCUSED. EVEN HATED.
But reading through Zechariah chapter 3 put a smile on my face . . .and, well, kind of a smirk. The sort of smirk that says,
“So there. How do ya like them apples?”
I (Zech) was given another vision. This time Joshua the high priest was standing in front of the Lord’s angel. And there was Satan, standing at Joshua’s right side, ready to accuse him. 2 But the Lord said, “Satan, you are WRONG. Jerusalem is my chosen city, and this man was rescued like a stick from a flaming fire.” vv.1-2
There ya have it. And I can relate. We do stand accused—but not by God.
I stand before heaven, and Satan stands at my side, accusing me to God. AT MY SIDE. Not over me or before me. The Accuser is not worthy to stand with God or even next to God.
That alone should bring a sigh of relief. But here’s more . . .
Even though Satan used to dwell in God’s presence as an archangel and as leader of heavenly worship, when he was cast out, his worth dropped so far below my worth that I now scare him.
God sets the standard for what and who is worthy.
This gets better!
Joshua’s clothes were filthy. So the angel told some of the people to remove Joshua’s filthy clothes. Then he said to Joshua, “This means you are forgiven. Now I will dress you in priestly clothes.” vv.3-4 Also translated as “royal robes.”
The Lord God has removed my filthy rags and placed upon me rich robes, fine apparel. The finest! Pure and perfectly fitting. I am undeservedly clothed by grace.
AMAZING!
In one earthly day 2,000 years ago,
God made this eternal change happen.
For good. Once and for all.
A retroactive, lifesaving maneuver.
During one excruciating,
non-retractable,
fully withstanding moment of sacrifice,
He exchanged His life for ours.
I joyfully belong to Him.
<>
And at that moment in time, the Accuser hissed with jealousy. His power, gone.
The Accuser is now murderously and passionately ticked off. His only weapon left — lies.
Am I ready for his counterattack?
The one who placed upon me rich robes has sent me to war. A war that existed before my time on earth. A war against my kin, my people, against me. A war we the believers were designed to win.
Yes, win.
“Stay alert. This is hazardous work I’m assigning you. You’re going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don’t call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.” Matt 10:16
Yes, The Accuser leads this war against us. But no worries! Though created by God, he is not equal to his Creator. He is unworthy and powerless even to stand before God without permission from the Most High.
Only in agreeing with The Accuser’s lies do I give him — more importantly, his lies — power over me.
“The serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made” Gen 3
Adam and Eve agreed . . . took the bait . . . Forfeited power. Abandoned their Maker. Lost life. Jesus Christ restored ALL that was lost.
Those labels the Accuser whispers in my ear—stupid, worthless, unsuccessful—I will become only if I agree with him.
DO NOT AGREE with the unworthy one, who is a worthless, counterfeit power.
I, like Joshua, have been rescued, chosen, and clothed in royal robes. I choose to agree with this truth.
Are you wearing royal robes?
The Way of the Embattled Spirit
