What role does obedience play in our relationship with God, according to Zechariah 3:6? Setting the Scene Zechariah is shown Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, having just been cleansed and clothed in pure garments (Zechariah 3:1–5). Immediately, the Angel speaks: “Then the Angel of the LORD gave this charge to Joshua:” (Zechariah 3:6) Followed by: “‘If you will walk in My ways and keep My commandments, then you will govern My house and have charge of My courts, and I will give you a place among these who are standing here.’” (Zechariah 3:7) What Obedience Signals in Our Relationship with God • Acknowledgment of His lordship—Joshua is not invited to negotiate terms; he is commanded. • Acceptance of covenant responsibilities—the cleansed priest must now live in a manner worthy of the cleansing he has received. • Alignment of will—walking in God’s ways means bringing daily choices under His revealed standards. Promises Linked to Obedience • Service authority: “govern My house.” Obedience qualifies Joshua to exercise spiritual leadership. • Access intimacy: “take charge of My courts.” Obedience ushers the priest into God’s immediate presence. • Eternal standing: “a place among these who are standing here.” Faithful obedience secures fellowship with the heavenly host, hinting at future reward (Revelation 3:21). Broader Scriptural Echoes • Deuteronomy 10:12–13 – “walk in all His ways… keep the LORD’s commandments… for your own good.” • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • 1 John 2:3 – “By this we know that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” Take-Home Applications – Obedience is not a way to earn cleansing; it is the expected response of the cleansed. – God ties spiritual influence to moral faithfulness; ignore one, lose the other. – Daily choices either reinforce or erode our experiential closeness with the Lord. – Future reward and participation in God’s heavenly administration are promised to those who walk in His ways today. |
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