The Servant Of Restoration Series

ZECHARIAH 3: 6-10

THE SERVANT OF RESTORATION

[1 Peter 2:1-10]

Our text contains a charge and a promise to the restored nation and its members. The charge and promise can be given and followed because of the coming of the Servant-Branch and the foundation which He laid by the accomplishment of His task which brought about the cleansing of His people.

In the previous verses of chapter 3 the High Priest was cleansed and restored. The High Priest was the representative of all the people of God. His cleansing and restoration thus was representative of the cleansing and clothing of all God's people who are represented by their great High Priest, Jesus. But now that the people of God are restored from their fallen depraved condition, what does He expect of them?

These verses mark the transition from the preceding previous symbolic visions of salvation to the practical application of tapping into salvation's resources. The text is to inform and exhort the restored ones to live the redeemed life (CIT). So give ear and learn that the promise of continued blessings in service and of full access into God's presence are contingent upon obedience. For the forgiven man must keep God's charge if he is to enjoy the blessings of his right standing (CIM).

I. THE CHARGE AND THE PROMISE, 6-7.

II. THE FORESHADOWED MESSIAH, 8-10.

I. THE CHARGE AND THE PROMISE, 6-7.

Having been clothed anew in righteousness Joshua is now fit to carry out his office. So in verse 6 Joshua is solemnly warned of what else was needed to carry out his role as high priest. And the Angel of the LORD admonished Joshua saying, "Thus says the LORD of Hosts, 'if you will walk in My ways, and if you will perform My service, then you will also govern My house and also have charge of My courts, and I will grant you free access among those who are standing (here).

The Angel of the LORD Himself solemnly bears witness and presents the LORD of Army's two preliminary conditions which must first be met for spiritual blessings to be bestowed.

The first charge "If you will walk in My ways"– means a life of continued personal righteousness. The first condition is that the believer speak and live in a manner worthy of the Lord. He must follow after the footsteps of Jesus on that narrow path which is lighted and directed by God's Word. He must obey God's will in his daily life. God requires an unadulterated devotion, a submissive attitude, and a singleness of purpose. Are your character and your way of life well pleasing to the Lord?

The second condition, "If ('im) you will perform My service"– means to faithfully do the duties required by God. He must carry out the responsibilities of God's calling. God's people have a trust of ministry committed to them. They are charged with it and must keep it with all possible faithfulness.

Are you performing God's required service? What is your service to God? Each person has some elements which are the same (worship, prayer, reading the Word, fellowship, witness ...) and yet, each person has individual responsibilities of service based upon which spiritual gift(s) and talent(s) with which one was graced.

If the conditions are met then promises are granted. The first promise is, "Then you will govern My house and courts" -- which speaks of jurisdiction over God's house and its affairs. (These are David's dying words to Solomon). If a person has walked in God's way and ministered in God's service, then he is entrusted with the blessings of spiritual responsibility before God. This is the first of two privileges we are assured of and may expect to exercise because of our sacred calling. Is this why we cannot find workers for the church today, because there are so few walking the walk and performing their individual ministry that they do not have the ability to take up spiritual responsibilities in the church? This is the first step in making the church a house of prayer for the nations.

Those that follow God's will and way into service are also granted free accesses to God. Free access is an open and unrestrained approach to God, an admittance into the throne room of God Almighty. This privilege is the crowning favor shown to him who would heed God's conditions. (If it is our high priest's privilege then it becomes ours for He will give all things into our hands). Intercessors for God's people will have the right of as free an access to God as those that stand before His Throne of Grace. They will be admitted into the presence of God like the seraphim and cherubim are. Oh, the unutterable blessings of entering into God's presence like His attending angels. What great privilege obedience to God brings. (Jewish commentators believe in a final fulfillment where God's priests will have such intimate access throughout all eternity).