Passage
Zechariah 3:1-10 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
The Branch
Date: Dec. 10, 2014
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 3:8b
First, I have taken away your sin (1-5). Zechariah's fourth vision involved Joshua the high priest. Joshua co-led the rebuilding of the temple. Satan stood by Joshua and accused him before God. Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes and was unfit to stand before the LORD. But the LORD himself intervened and rebuked Satan. The LORD had rescued the Israelites and Joshua as one snatches a burning stick from the fire. God took away Joshua's sin. His dirty clothes were replaced with fine garments and a clean turban.
Second, My servant, the Branch (6-10). If Joshua obeyed the LORD, he would be blessed. Joshua and his associates symbolized what was to come. God would send the Branch, a reference to Jesus. The high priest and his associates served in the temple to ceremonially atone for sin, but only Christ can completely remove our sin in a single day. In Jesus we have true peace with our neighbor and blessing.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for rebuking Satan, rescuing us from hell and taking away our filthy sins. Help us to be a kingdom of priests.
One Word: Jesus takes away our sins
