Zechariah 3:1-2

Zechariah 3:1-2 (ESV): “Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?””

Man is not left to contend with dark spiritual forces alone. Just as we have an adversary named Satan, we also have an Advocate named Jesus. He silences the accusations of the devil on our behalf.

In Zechariah, Joshua the high priest is shown standing before the Lord. Joshua is clothed in soiled garments, representing his sinful state, while Satan stands accusing him before God. The Angel of the Lord—who is Jesus—steps in and makes intercession for Joshua. He declares, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan.” These are the same words spoken by Michael in Jude 1:9 when contending with Satan over the body of Moses. Zechariah clearly shows us where our help comes from!

What is Satan saying about you before God? You stand in soiled garments too, and thus his accusations are no doubt true. Yet, in mercy, Jesus steps in on your behalf—if you belong to Him—and says, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan.” You need not fear the devil, folks. We are to fear God and find our covering in Christ. He is enough for us. Amen?

Father, we thank You for standing up for us when Satan accuses us before You. Help us hide in the shadow of Your wings and trust Jesus as our Defender. Help us give the enemy very little to say, we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.