Access

If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here. Zechariah 3:1-10  How many times have we heard these instructions? These are the words spoken, to assure the high priest Joshua, that God intends to keep his promise to the faithful remnant of Israel, who after near total destruction, repent and return to Judea. Joshua himself covered in filth, is by God’s grace made clean and clothed with festal apparel and a turban for his head. Even as the enemy stands ready to accuse, God does not forsake Joshua’s desire to lead the righteous. So too, though guilty we are not forgotten as God does not forsake the repentant heart. Today, we as believers are allowed over and again to step out of the muck and the mire and be washed clean, repent and give God access to cleanse us from the inside out. This promise of access to God’s faithfulness belongs to each of us.  As he washes the filth away, and we hold to our life through Christ, by God’s grace and favor we are forever redeemed.