December 26, 1998, Saturday

Does God protect us from accusations and the harm that

some could bring against us? Do we deserve accusations

for what we have committed in error? What new garments

will you wear after Christmas?

In times past God spoke to all mankind through many of

the prophets in various ways. Zechariah tells us that

God gave him a vision of our adversary Satan, who is

intent to accuse a man of his error to cause him harm-

"In another vision the Lord showed me the High Priest

Joshua standing before the angel of the Lord. And there

beside Joshua stood Satan, ready to bring an accusation

against him; The Angel of the Lord said to Satan, "May

the Lord condemn you, Satan! May the Lord, who loves

Jerusalem, condemn you. This man is like a stick snatched

from the fire" (Zech 3:1-2). But bless God, He intervenes

for us and saves us from the fiery punishment we deserve.

Isaiah the prophet preached to Israel to warn them not to

trust in their own good works, but to inwardly examine the

heart and mind to know the desperate need that we all have-

"But we are all like an unclean thing, And all of our own

righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf,

And our iniquities, like the wind, they have taken us away"

(Isa 64:6). We deserve the punishment for our errors and

failures, but God in His mercy can forgive and change us.

Zechariah saw more of the vision and how God was ready

not only to intervene and forgive, but to make all new-

Joshua was standing there, wearing filthy clothes. The

Angel said to his heavenly attendants, "Take away the

filthy clothes this man is wearing." Then he said to

Joshua, "I have taken away your sin and will give you

new clothes to wear." He commanded the attendants to put

a clean turban on Joshua's head. They did so, and then

they put the new clothes on him while the Angel of the

Lord stood there (Zech 3:3-4). Josuha was ready to go

with a new robe of righteousness free from accusation.

Let us remember who is the Lord that is Our Righteousness.

God's Name is Jehová Tsidkenu. He is the God that clothes

us with His Righteousness. He is the God that puts His truth,

humility, and kindness in our spirit. The Psalmist expressed

his joy and gratitude for a clear conscience: "I will praise

You as long as I live, and in Your Name I will lift up my

hands" (Psa 63:4). Lift your hands to Him and Praise Him

for the fact that He is the God that is Our Righteousness!