“[…] ‘Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH!
From His place He shall branch out,
And He shall build the temple of the LORD; […]’”
(Zechariah 6:12)

I find these words especially remarkable when I consider the preceding actions of Zechariah: he first made an elaborate crown using the silver and gold gifted by the returning Jewish captives, and then he used it to crown Joshua the high priest before saying these words (v10-11).

Wasn’t this the same Joshua who earlier stood before God’s Angel and an accusatory Satan, wearing filthy garments stained with sin (3:1-4)? How was he worthy of God’s use?

We know God’s intended message behind this prophetic action: that Jesus, our High Priest and King, will build the eternal spiritual temple, which is the true church, through His death and resurrection (Hebrews explains this in detail – for example, in Heb 6:20 and 8:1-2).

Isn’t it remarkable that God chose to use a formerly filthy high priest to represent Him and convey such an important message for mankind across generations?

In this sense, we’re no different from Joshua – we, too, once had filthy rags of sin that needed ‘laundry’ in the form of water baptism. Even after baptism, in our walk of life, we sometimes find ourselves re-wearing those sinful rags and re-needing a spiritual makeover from God. Yet, our King of kings deigns to embrace us, not only as His people, but also as fellow kings and priests ruling with Him! (Rev 1:5-6)

Also, we were once far from God, but now, through the blood of Christ in water baptism, we have been brought near to God and are allowed to be a part of the everlasting spiritual temple that Jesus is rebuilding (Zech 6:15; Eph 3:13, 19-22). How do you feel about being included?

Today, Jesus the Branch wants to include everyone in His salvation by branching out everywhere, into everyone’s hearts. He welcomes any repentant and believing soul to have an eternal life-giving connection with Him, in His network of redeemed souls. Do you want to be included? 😉