INTRODUCTION:

            Do you know what a catechism is?  That is not a word we often use in this church, but it is a well-known word in the Catholic church and some other denominations.  A catechism most often is a book which contains a summary of the beliefs of Christianity, often of the particular beliefs of the church in which it is used.  The format of a catechism is questions followed by answers.  If you have never read a catechism I would suggest that you do, and I would recommend The New City Catechism.  All this has to do with my introduction as I wanted to share with you the first question and answer in the Westminster Shorter and Larger Catechism.  Question one: “What is the chief end of man?”  Answer one: “The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” (1st Corinthians 10:31; Psalm 73:25-26)  If this is man’s purpose, then we could say that worship is God’s ultimate priority.  Jesus told the Samaritan woman that the Father seeks true worshipers, those who, Paul wrote, offer themselves as living sacrifices, those who view even the most routine activities as opportunities to give glory to God.  It should not come as a surprise to us that after Joshua the High Priest was cleansed and clothed in righteous garments, that he was commanded by the Angel of Yahweh to take up his responsibility as High Priest and lead Israel in worship of the One true God.

            In God’s plan, the Lord had raised up Israel to be a kingdom of priests, a nation to lead other nations in the worship of the One true God.  Israel was to be a nation of worshipers inviting other nations to join them in serving the Lord.  Within this God used the Levitical priests to lead His kingdom of priests in worship.  The Levitical priests maintained the tabernacle and then later the temple, they led the people of Israel in praise, offered the sacrifices, and taught the Scriptures.  God called His people to worship Him not only individually, but also as a community, worshiping His corporately, publicly, and nationally.  God’s worthiness was to be proclaimed and adored on every level of society.  The priests were privileged to lead the people in serving the Lord in worship and for this reason the priesthood was to be characterized by joy and celebration.  Israel looked forward to the time when such worship would be fully realized and when the priests would lead the world in pure and passionate praise.  Such a time would represent the climax of God’s relationship, not only with the nation of Israel but also with the priests.  That climax never took place in Israel’s history.  The priests consistently abandoned their responsibilities and corrupted their God-given roles.  The priests were to teach the knowledge of God to the people, but they could not do so if they themselves did not know Him.  Many of them rejected the law they were ordained to uphold.  In the end, the Babylonians conquered Judah, destroyed the temple, and took the priests into captivity.

            That was not the end of their history or the end of the priesthood.  God did not forget His promises to His remnant nor to the priests.  God had promised an unending priesthood in a covenant in Numbers 25:10-13.  This covenant made with Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron promised he and his descendants an enduring priesthood until the fulfillment of God’s full promise to bless both priests and people.  This enduring priesthood will continue into Christ’s future kingdom in the millennial temple.  At that time, the priests’ activity will not be atoning for sin, the burnt and the grain offerings that the priests offer will be used for worship and thanksgiving, commemorating and celebrating the once-for-all work that Christ completed on the cross.  During the millennial kingdom, God will once again use the priests of Israel to lead the world in worship under the leadership of the great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ.

            This helps explain the importance of the command from the Angel of Yahweh to Joshua the high priest, directing him to fulfill his responsibility to lead God’s people in worship.  This command not only teaches about worship generally but also points to the promise that Israel will not be cut off from serving the Lord in His future kingdom.  Though the Levites deserved to be cast off for their unfaithfulness, God will cleanse them, as represented by Joshua in this vision, and invite them to serve in His presence.  And as improbable as it seems in our world today, a time is coming when all the nations will join Israel in worshiping Yahweh, after all this is the chief end of man.

            We, who have put our faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, can marvel that God will remember His promises to the undeserving line of Levi.  Their participation in worship during the millennial kingdom will be a compelling testimony of God’s faithful goodness and mercy.  The Lord will graciously pardon Israel’s sin through the redemption purchased by the Lord Jesus. He will save His people and equip them for service.  In these two verses the Lord gives three aspects in regard to worship, the responsibility to worship, the reward for worship, and the relationship within worship.  Let’s pray before reading our Scripture for today.

--PRAY--

 

SCRIPTURE:

            Turn in your Bible to Zechariah 3:6-7 for this morning’s message.  Please, if you are able, stand in honor of the reading of God’s Word, and follow along while I read.

     Zechariah 3:6-7,

            “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 these who are standing here.”’ ” (Zechariah 3:6–7, NASB95)[1]

WORSHIP – THE RESPONSIBILITY (Zechariah 3:6-7a)

            Having cleansed the High Priest and clothed him in clean robes of Christ’s righteousness making him fit for service, the angel of Yahweh now admonished Joshua.  This word translated “admonished” is more often translated as “testify” which in Hebrew is often used in affirming a solemn warning.  It is to bear witness to the full weight, authority, and accountability brought by the demands of a law or a command.  The angel of Yahweh wants Joshua to understand that worship is the most serious responsibility that can be laid upon him.  As we have already acknowledged worship or to glorify God is the chief end of man.  There is no greater purpose, no greater responsibility.  Just as a Christian is freed from sin not to continue in that corrupt lifestyle but to walk in righteousness, so God cleansed Joshua to make him useful for service and ready to fulfill his duties as High Priest.  With this in view the angel of Yahweh made very clear to Joshua the seriousness of what he was called to do to fulfill his God-given role.

            Joshua’s responsibility first as given to him by Yahweh of hosts was to “walk in My ways.” (Zechariah 3:7a, NASB95)[2]  The language of walk depicts life as a road or path or even a journey.  We see this idea used in Scripture to describe one’s life.  For example, when Moses was writing concerning Enoch, who was of the seventh generation from Adam, summing up this man’s godly life he wrote “Enoch walked with God.” (Genesis 5:24a, NASB95)[3]  In contrast to this Paul describes unbelievers as being dead in trespasses and sins in which they formerly walked. (Ephesians 2:1-2)  When the Messiah commanded Joshua to walk in My ways, He was demanding what God always requires of His people—a life conformed to His Word.  In the New Testament, in the book of Ephesians Paul described the characteristics of a worthy walk, what it means to walk in God’s ways.  He stated that the Lord calls us to walk worthy of the gospel (Ephesains 4:1), to walk differently than unbelievers (Ephesians 4:17), to walk in love (Ephesians 5:1-2), to walk in light (Ephesians 5:8), and to walk in wisdom (Ephesians 5:15).

            This exhortation to Joshua in these verses was not just for him but for all who lead.  Because spiritual leadership is so important, spiritual leaders need to be seeking to live a life that is being conformed to Christ and seeking to be consistently obedient.  When Paul listed the qualifications for elders they were not qualified for leadership simply because they could teach, rather they were appointed because their lives were God honoring in every way.  Walking in God’s ways is the standard for all believers who desire to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.

            Not only was Joshua to walk in the ways of the LORD of hosts but was also commanded by Him to “perform My service.” (Zechariah 3:7a, NASB95)[4]  This phrase could also be translated “to keep the responsibility given by Me.”  The Hebrew root behind both perform and responsibility is the word “keep” or “pay attention.”  A responsibility is a task or service entrusted into one’s care.  The word was often used to describe the job of the priests and the tribe of the Levites.  In the millennial kingdom the priests will have the responsibility of maintaining or keeping the temple grounds, the altar, as well as conducting many of the worship activities that will take place in and around the temple.

            These commands to Joshua were a symbol of a glorious future.  Throughout Israel’s history, the priests were never able to carry out their responsibilities with perfect faithfulness.  But a time will come, in the millennial kingdom, when they will be transformed by the Messiah, just as Christ cleansed Joshua in this vision.  In that day, the Lord will give Israel’s priests the charged given here to Joshua.  Having been transformed by Him, they will finally be able to fulfill the calling given to them; to lead the people in true and full worship.

            God’s command to keep the responsibility issued to Joshua serves as a reminder that while no work of man can contribute to salvation, God’s work of salvation enables every believer to respond in obedience and good works just as our Scripture reading said this morning.  Though not everyone was a High Priest like Joshua, Israel was a kingdom of priests.  In giving this command to Joshua, the LORD of hosts showed that He remembered what He had promised to the line of priests and to the entire nation.  In the Millennium, God will not only give Israel an opportunity to fulfill and enjoy this glorious honor, but He will transform them so they can do it effectively and faithfully.

 

WORSHIP – THE REWARD (Zechariah 3:7b)

             For the most part, priests had two main roles serving in the temple in Jerusalem.  First, they served as mediators from God to man as they taught the people to understand the law of the LORD.  Second, they also functioned as mediators from man to God as they led the people in worship through the sacrificial system.  If the priests faithfully fulfilled these two duties given to them by God, they would experience God’s blessing.  Unfortunately, and sadly, throughout Israel’s history, the priests never fully realized that blessing, due to their own sinfulness and unfaithfulness.  In the millennial kingdom, however, the Lord will equip them to faithfully serve Him.  Then they will enjoy the full privileges and rich blessings He promised to them.

            In that future kingdom, the priesthood will fulfill its role in explaining God’s law to man.  That is why the Angel of Yahweh told Joshua, “then you will also govern My house.”  This word translated “govern” might be better translated “to render justice” because the Hebrew word does not mean simply to govern or rule, the word means to give judicial counsel and pronounce decisions.  In Israel’s history, priests were often consulted to settle difficult legal cases.  By using this terminology, the prophet confirms that this will happen again during the millennial kingdom.  Isaiah had prophesied that during the 1000-year reign of Christ, many nations will come to Jerusalem to learn God’s commands, and the Lord Jesus Christ will rule over every nation, rendering decisions for them. (Isaiah 2:2-4)  Ezekiel also prophesied concerning the role the priests will have during that time.  He wrote in Ezekiel 44:24, “In a dispute they shall take their stand to judge; they shall judge it according to My ordinances. They shall also keep My laws and My statutes in all My appointed feasts and sanctify My sabbaths.” (Ezekiel 44:24, NASB95)[5]  During the millennial kingdom, Israel’s priests will serve under the great High Priest-King, the Messiah, to help in maintaining justice.  This will be the ultimate priestly honor, to serve alongside the Angel of Yahweh—the Lord Jesus Christ.

            Not only would they govern God’s house, but Joshua was told he would also have charge of God’s courts.  This phrase “have charge” is the same word that was earlier translated “perform” where God commanded Joshua to keep God’s responsibility, to faithfully fulfill the duties God had given him.  That the same word is used in both places creates a word play in these verses.  If the priest could keep his God-given responsibilities, then he would keep God’s courts.  This play on words emphasized the close connection between obedience and the priest’s reward and privilege of leading in worship.  This word “courts” refers to the area surrounding the temple building itself.  History tells us the tragedy that occurred in these courts.  This is where Israel’s unfaithfulness to Yahweh was displayed.  In Isaiah 1:12-13 God condemned the worthless sacrifices that took place in these courts.  Ezekiel noted how idolatry was practiced in these courts.  For these reasons, this was the place where God’s judgment began.

            But the courts that are being described here in Zechariah’s vision are the courts of the millennial temple.  This temple and its courts are described to us in Ezekiel 40-48, Isaiah also mentions them, and so does Jeremiah.  These courts will be an architectural marvel with massive pillars, paved stones, great gates, and vast spaces.  The priests will be the stewards of this beautiful and expansive area.  It would be a great privilege just to be able to go into such a place.  But the priests will do more than just care for it, they will lead the activities that occur in this part of the temple.  The courts will be filled with genuine worship, and it will be the priests who are leading the joyous and exuberant praise.  They will finally fulfill their duties without compromise or failure, as they lead the people in offering sacrifices of thankfulness to Yahweh.  To be in the center of this joyous celebration will be an unparalleled honor.  On that day, because of the work of the Messiah on their behalf, the priests will finally realize the profound blessings and joy God promised them long ago.

            This will be the beautiful ending to the story of God’s relationship with the tribe of Levi. History teaches us that the priests were sinful, that they failed to serve the Lord, at times they acted with extreme wickedness, even rejecting Yahweh for idols.  They deserved to be rejected by God because they truly were a priesthood with dirty robes (just like Joshua in this vision).  Even so, the Lord did not go back on His promises to them.  Instead, in the future He will raise up a cleansed priesthood, washed in the blood of their Messiah.  As a result, they will experience the honor and privilege that God designed for them as they lead the world in worship.

            This is God’s testimony of truth that He will fulfill every promise He gave to His priests.  For the Israelites of Zechariah’s day, this truth would have been a great encouragement as they worked to rebuild the temple.  For all believers, the fact that God always remembers all His promises to His people, is the truth upon which our faith and hope rests.

 

WORSHIP – THE RELATIONSHIP (Zechariah 3:7c)

            Throughout Israel’s history, the priests not only experienced the privilege of serving God, but they also enjoyed the blessing of standing in special relationship to Him.  Priestly privilege was entirely a gift of God’s grace, a truth that is made clear by what the Angel of Yahweh said to Joshua, “I will grant you.” (Zechariah 3:7c, NASB95)[6]  The Lord’s blessings—whether to Levitical priests, to Israel, or to the church—are not in any way deserved.  No one can claim to have merited God’s blessings.  Neither can anyone claim that it is unfair for the Lord to give privilege to one person and not to another.  God’s blessings are based solely upon His loving and gracious choice.

            For Joshua, who at this time represented the priesthood, God promised that one day he would be granted the blessing of “free access among these who are standing here.” (Zechariah 3:7c, NASB95)[7]  This phrase “these who are standing here” referred to the angels who were involved in this vision.  These angels served before the Lord Himslef.  In other words, to have free access to walk among them implies that the priests will move freely in the presence of God.  The Lord promised that in the millennium He will dwell with His people, and that His glory will be in their midst.  The priests will draw near to Him without any hesitation, just like the angels who are constantly before Him.  In other words, the Angel of Yahweh told Joshua, the High Priest that if he would walk in God’s ways, he would ultimately walk among angels in the presence of God.  In the millennial kingdom, the ultimate blessing of worship for the priests will be the intimate communion they enjoy with God in His presence.

 

CONCLUSION:

            Even as distinctive as Joshua and the priests are, they are not the only ones who will enjoy such close access to the Lord.  As Scripture reveals, God already indwells every believer.  Though the priests may experience this in some unique way during the millennial kingdom, all believers already enjoy intimate fellowship with God because He lives within us.  The object of worship—God Himself—is the highest reward of worship.  Though His presence is a present reward, in the glory to come such fellowship will involve intensified communion with Him.  What a glorious day that will be when the world gathers with the priests in Jerusalem to worship Yahweh with pure hearts and unbridled affection.  Then even more than now man’s chief end will be to glorify God and enjoy Him forever!

 

[1]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

[2]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

[3]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

[4]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

[5]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

[6]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

[7]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.