The Jesus Bible Reading PlanНамуна

OUR DEFENDER

This text details the fourth of eight visions, and this vision appears to be located in a courtroom in the heavens. Verse 1 sets the scene. The angel of the Lord sat as judge. The high priest Joshua, here representing the sinful nation, stood in the room as the defendant. The fallen angel, Satan, opposed and accused Joshua.

Scripture records other such scenes where an accuser points a finger at God’s people. Job 1:1 – 12 records the classic scene where Satan accuses Job of only giving lip service to God because he’s been blessed and protected by God. Revelation 12:7 – 12 details a vision of Satan, “the accuser of our brothers and sisters” (v. 10), losing a future battle. In each of these scenes, the accuser loses his argument under the defense of One who advocates for fallen humans.

In a precursor to later revelation, the Lord defended his people before Satan (Zec 3:2). And believers today have One who still stands as our advocate before the Father (1Jn 2:1). The book of Revelation reveals the Lord’s power over the accuser. Out of the fire, God snatched Joshua; through the person and work of the living Savior, Jesus Christ, he still does the same today.

Jesus, thank you for defending me before my accuser. I know that without you, I wouldn’t have stood a chance. Amen.