The God Who Rebukes The Accuser Day And Night Series

THE GOD WHO REBUKES THE ACCUSER DAY AND NIGHT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Zechariah 3:1-5

Key Verse: “And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” — Zechariah 3:2 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Revelation 12:10-11; Job 1:6-12; Romans 8:33-34; 1 John 2:1-2

INTRODUCTION:

The accuser of the brethren, Satan, constantly seeks to condemn and discredit the children of God before the throne of grace. Day and night, he brings up accusations, pointing out faults, past sins, and weaknesses in an attempt to block our access to God’s favour and blessings. But thanks be to God, who stands as our Defender and Intercessor. He does not remain silent while the enemy speaks against us; instead, He rises to rebuke the accuser and restore us to righteousness.

In Zechariah 3, Joshua the high priest stood before the Angel of the Lord clothed in filthy garments, and Satan stood to accuse him. Yet, the Lord Himself rebuked Satan and commanded that Joshua’s filthy garments be taken away. This is a powerful picture of divine mercy triumphing over judgment. The God we serve does not permit the enemy to have the final say concerning our lives.

When the accuser speaks, God intervenes with authority. When Satan condemns, God justifies. When the enemy points to your past, God points to the cross.

1. THE ACCUSER’S MISSION IS TO CONDEMN GOD’S PEOPLE

Satan’s role as the accuser is to remind God and even believers themselves of their past mistakes, hoping to destroy confidence and hinder progress.

a) The accuser operates in the courts of heaven (Job 1:6-11): He stands before God to question the righteousness of His servants.

b) He seeks to block divine blessings (Daniel 10:12-13): His accusations are aimed at delaying answers to prayers.

c) He uses guilt and shame to weaken believers (Revelation 12:10): Satan continually reminds believers of their failures to make them feel unworthy.

d) He disguises condemnation as conviction (2 Corinthians 11:14): He twists truth to discourage rather than restore.

Biblical Example: In Job’s story, Satan accused Job of serving God only for personal gain, hoping to prove his loyalty false. Yet God used the test to reveal Job’s steadfast faith (Job 1:9-12).

2. THE LORD REBUKES THE ACCUSER ON BEHALF OF HIS OWN

God does not ignore the accusations of Satan; He actively rebukes him and defends His chosen ones.

a) God Himself issues the rebuke (Zechariah 3:2): “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan.” It is not Joshua’s voice but God’s authority that silences the enemy.

b) God’s rebuke is based on divine election (Romans 8:33): “It is God that justifieth.” No one can successfully accuse those God has chosen.

c) The Lord’s rebuke removes every legal ground of the enemy (Colossians 2:14-15): Christ nailed every accusation to the cross and disarmed the powers of darkness.

d) God’s mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13): His compassion overrules the enemy’s case against us.

Biblical Example: When Joshua stood accused and filthy, the Lord intervened and rebuked Satan, ordering Joshua’s cleansing and restoration (Zechariah 3:1-5).

3. THE BLOOD OF JESUS SILENCES EVERY ACCUSATION

The blood of Christ remains the ultimate defence against satanic accusations.

a) The blood speaks better things than condemnation (Hebrews 12:24): It cries for mercy and forgiveness, not judgment.

b) It erases the record of past sins (1 John 1:7): The blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

c) It justifies the believer before God (Romans 5:9): Through the blood, we stand guiltless in God’s sight.

d) It grants victory over the accuser (Revelation 12:11): “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”

Biblical Example: The woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) was accused before Jesus, but He declared, “Neither do I condemn thee.” The blood of Jesus continues to speak mercy for us today.

4. GOD REPLACES CONDEMNATION WITH RESTORATION AND HONOUR

When God rebukes the accuser, He doesn’t stop at silencing the enemy; He restores dignity and honour to His children.

a) God removes the filthy garments (Zechariah 3:4): He takes away every trace of guilt and shame.

b) He clothes His people with new garments (Isaiah 61:10): Garments of salvation and robes of righteousness replace old stains.

c) He crowns His people with honour (Zechariah 3:5): God sets a fair mitre (a crown) upon Joshua’s head, a symbol of restored authority.

d) He reaffirms divine purpose (Romans 8:30): Those He justified, He also glorified.

Biblical Example: The prodigal son (Luke 15:22) returned home in shame, but the father clothed him with the best robe and restored his position, the accuser was silenced.

5. GOD’S INTERCESSION IS CONSTANT DAY AND NIGHT

While Satan accuses day and night, our Intercessor, Jesus Christ, also pleads for us day and night before the Father.