Advocacy vs. Accusation 

Beautiful People, 
When was the last time someone advocated for you? I wish we could see how Heaven fights for us daily. Like Elisha, I wish we could see Heaven’s armies ready to defend us from the forces of darkness. When I get to Heaven, I want to thank each angel that was persistent in protecting my family and me. Today’s word and focus is an advocate. Zechariah chapter 3 paints a beautiful picture of God’s ministry of advocacy. Joshua, the priest, is standing before the angel of the Lord; however, there is an unwelcomed guest—Satan, the Accuser. Satan’s depiction in scripture is that of a supernatural evil bent on misrepresenting God’s character and accusing us of our sins. There is a stark contrast between the Angel of the Lord and the Accuser. The Angel of the Lord rebukes the Accuser and advocates for Joshua by saying, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” I am so glad that we serve a God who advocates for us and reaches out into the fires of depression, suicide, isolation, discrimination, hatred, lust, envy, greed, and all manner of evils. Follow with me what The Angel of the Lord does next!
 

“Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.” (Zechariah 3:3-4 NIV)

After rebuking the Accuser, the Angel of the Lord reveals a beautiful picture of God’s character. He reveals to us that God is in the business of forgiveness and renewal. I love this story because Zechariah had to be vulnerable with God and embrace new garments, new ways of thinking, and behaving in accordance with his redemptive status. Now, please don’t miss that God puts the garments on him. That is important. The new nature that God provides us is not produced by us—it is accepted by faith. So now, when Satan comes to accuse you, you can stand firm in God’s righteousness that surrounds you. Now that you have this affirmation, I pray that you become an advocate for someone else. I pray that you may be in the business of forgiveness and renewal.