Psalm 26 - Walk in Integrity

Background Exodus 30:17-21

"No greater injury can be inflicted upon men than to wound their reputation." John Calvin

Absalom is sitting at the gate everyday saying, "Oh, that I were the judge; then people could bring their problems to me and I would give them justice." 2 Samuel 15:4 NLT NLT “I wish that I.”

2 Samuel 15:13 A messenger soon arrived in Jerusalem to tell King David, "All Israel has joined Absalom in a conspiracy against you!"

Psalm 26:1 Declare me innocent -- James 4:5 Submit yourself -- Lord, put me on trial, cross examine me -- Test my motives and affections.

David says, "I have acted with integrity. I have trusted in You, my Lord." Hear David's heart as he pours out his loyalty to God.

I know You love me. Your love has never failed me.

I am living by Your truth. I love You and I know You love me!

1. I do not spend time with liars.

2. I do not hang out with or agree with hypocrites.

3. I hate the gathering of those who do evil.

4. I won't join in with their wicked plans.

5. I won't hold hands with the world!

V 1 I do --- Yes to Jesus!

I separate myself to You!

V6 I want my hands to come to You clean. I come to Your altar, O Lord.

V7 I come singing.

a) a song of thanksgiving

b) a song of remembrance (remembering all of God's miracles)

I come because I love You, Lord.

I love Your sanctuary, Your dwelling place -- the place where Your glory shines.

Remember, David is appealing his case to God. He says, "Examine me."

What does it look like to stand before God as our judge?

How good am I? We know what conviction feels like. When Nathan said, "You are the man."

David says it in V9. "Don't let me suffer the fate of sinners (though in truth, I am one)."

"Don't condemn me along with murderers (though I was one)."

V10 Their hands are dirty with wicked schemes. (And, yes, Lord, I remember Uriah and my schemes.) or those who take bribes --

V11 but....... I am not like that (since You cleansed me). I do what is right.

So, Lord, in Your mercy, save me.

I have taken a stand and I will publicly praise the Lord!

So far we have seen and heard David's requests before God.

He presents himself and makes a stand, presents his case.

Will David be vindicated? Cleansed?

What happens next? Who is our accuser?

Zechariah 3

V1 Zechariah is a prophet. Joshua (Yeshua) is the high priest at the time. (Haggai 1:1)

Zechariah sees Joshua standing before God, in His presence as or in his position as the high priest.

Zechariah sees a courtroom setting - Satan on the right hand of him, and the Angel of the Lord is standing before him.

Zechariah understands that he needs God's mercy -- so he presents himself before God, knowing that the accuser is there, knowing that sin and mistakes are his clothing. Satan has to be saying, "He is filthy, unfit to be in Your presence. He is guilty."

V2 And the Lord said to Satan, "I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan!"

V2 but God - rebukes Satan. Also in Jude 1:9.

I, the One Who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you!

This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from a fire. Had he been left in the fire, he would have been consumed.

Joshua is the high priest, but without the mercy of God, he is nothing.

Who am I -- even at my best?

Satan says I am black -- of course, I am, but God reaches to me when I come into His presence and He takes me out of the fire.

Joshua is silent -- the battle is being won in the heavenlies. He stand before God, guilty!

John Wesley was only 6 years old when he was trapped in a burning house. He was removed when one neighbor stood on the shoulders of another neighbor and pulled him out. Someone gave him a drawing of the rescue and he put

under it, “Is this not a branch plucked from the burning?” Zechariah 3:2

V4-5 Joshua's sin was filthy. The Angel said, "Take off his filthy clothes.... See I have taken away your sins and now I am giving you these fine new clothes."

Set your eyes on the Messiah. Forgiven. Satan is defeated and Jesus is Lord!