A Vivid Vision

by Johnston, Brian, D. | Category: N/a/ | Nov 2005

Have you ever had a dream so vivid that you were awakened by your own active involvement in it? Perhaps others even heard you call out in your sleep. It seems to me that something similar happened in one of Zechariah's visions - the one in which he saw the high priest pictured, not in the temple courts, but in something more reminiscent of law courts; and not in his fine robes, but in filthy rags. When the Lord instructed that the high priest should be clothed with 'festal robes', Zechariah writes: 'Then I said, "Let them put a clean turban on his head"' (Zech.3:5).

Why did Zechariah interact with his vision to utter this passionate prayer? Why was he seemingly so keen to be reassured the mitre wouldn't be omitted? Connected with the turban in the book of Exodus we read of a small golden plate: 'it shall be at the front of the turban � and Aaron shall take away the iniquity of the holy things which the sons of Israel consecrate, with regard to all their holy gifts � that they may be accepted before the LORD' (Ex.28:37,38).

Was this not why the turban or mitre was so important to Zechariah? How could his people approach the holy God of heaven in his earthly residence if there was any possibility that the imperfections of their offerings might render them less than acceptable before God in heaven? God's people today 'offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ' (1 Pet.2:5). And our High Priest, Jesus, offers them across towards His God and Father (Heb.8:3). Let's not be inhibited by fear of genuine mistake when we bring our thanksgivings in worship, knowing they pass through the hands of our High Priest who renders even our feeblest praises acceptable to God.

For us He wears the mitre where holiness shines bright;

For us His robes are whiter than heaven's unsullied light.

Johnston, Brian, D. | Nov 2005
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