April 12 – Robed in Righteousness

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” – Isaiah 61:10, KJV

In a solemn vision, the high priest Joshua is shown standing before the Angel of the Lord. As the representative of those who keep God's commandments, he stands vulnerable, while Satan stands at his right hand to accuse him (Zechariah 3:1).

This scene reveals the cosmic conflict in the courtroom of heaven. Christ is our High Priest, our Advocate and Intercessor. Satan, ever the accuser, presents every failure, every moral blemish, every unworthy trait in an effort to disqualify the children of God from divine protection and mercy. His goal is to destroy hope and break down the resolve of those who have stumbled under temptation.

But Christ has already made atonement for every soul. By faith, we can hear His voice interceding on our behalf: “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” (Zechariah 3:2, KJV).

Joshua stands clothed in filthy garments (Zechariah 3:3), a symbol of our sinful condition. Satan seeks to condemn, having first led the soul into sin and then draping it in guilt and shame. Yet, it is Christ who intervenes. He does not deny the sin, but He removes the filthy garments. He declares: “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment” (Zechariah 3:4, KJV).

Here is the miracle of divine grace: our iniquity is transferred to the spotless Son of God, who bears it willingly. In return, we are clothed in His perfect righteousness—a robe not earned, but lovingly given. No longer are we seen as guilty, but as redeemed, washed, and covered by the merits of Christ.

This is the great exchange—the heavenly change of garments. Christ strips away every stain of sin and clothes us with a righteousness woven not on earthly looms, but in the courts of heaven. He adopts us into the family of God and prepares a place for us in the mansions of glory. One day, those who humbly walk in obedience will receive crowns on their heads and golden harps in their hands. Their songs of praise will fill the heavenly arches with melodies of redeeming love.

Let us hold fast to the One who covers us, and rejoice in the new garments He gives.