Rich Robes

“Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” (Zechariah 3:3-4 NKJV)

How does man look like in heaven? Joshua was a man of God, born in a salve nation and later called to be the leader of Israel and led the people into the land of Canaan. He was the commander of many wars, conquering the land. He was faithful and consistent in seeking and observing the commandments of God throughout his lifetime. He was one of the most honored and respected persons in the history of Israel. He was a faithful servant of God. 

However, in heaven he was clothed with filthy garments before the Angel of the Lord who is Christ. Satan was opposing Joshua the high priest. Notice that Satan has access to the presence of God. He is not yet removed from heaven. But he will be hurled down to the earth in due time. See that Joshua didn’t defend himself against the accusations of Satan. The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord rebuke you!” 

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

The Lord commanded to those who stood before Him to take away the filthy garments from him and said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” This is the reason we can stand before the throne of grace. We cannot contribute anything at all to earn the righteousness of God by any means, status, success, devotion, or whatever. It’s by God’s grace and mercy. When we stop defending ourselves and believe that God exists and He rewards to those who diligently seek Him, we can please Him and He will clothe us with rich robes, the robes of righteousness (Hebrews 11:6).