When Satan accuses.

Today's Scripture: Zechariah 3:2
"The Lord rebuke you, O Satan!"
Read it online at the Bible Gateway: (NIV) (NASB) (KJV) (The Message)

Satan is our accuser; in fact, that seems to be his primary strategy toward sincere believers. This is vividly illustrated in his accusation of the high priest, Joshua, recorded in Zechariah 3:1-4. Joshua stands before the Angel of the Lord, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. But God rebukes Satan, takes away Joshua's filthy clothes (depicting his sin), and clothes him with rich garments (symbolizing the robe of Christ's righteousness). Perhaps Paul had this passage in mind when he wrote, "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies" (Romans 8:33, NIV). God no longer allows Satan to accuse us before him. In fact, we might say God has thrown Satan out of his heavenly courtroom.

However, though Satan can no longer accuse us before God, he accuses us to ourselves. He plants thoughts in our minds: How could a Christian struggle with sin as much as you do? What is our defense in such instances? It isn't to ignore or minimize sin's seriousness. Rather it's to look at the cross of Christ and see him bearing those sins in all their severity and ugliness in his body. It's to believe that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1, NIV), because Jesus was condemned in our place as our substitute.

When you're troubled with uncertainty about your salvation, ask yourself, "have I called on the name of the Lord? Have I come to Jesus as one who is thirsty but has no money? Have I renounced any confidence in my own goodness and relied entirely on Jesus' blood and righteousness?" If you answer yes to those questions, rely on the promises of God. (Excerpt taken from The Gospel for Real Life)