A Brand Plucked from the Fire - Zechariah 3

Zechariah 3:1–5

In Zechariah chapter 3, we’re given a powerful glimpse into the unseen battle happening in the spiritual realm. The prophet sees Joshua, the high priest, standing before the angel of the Lord, while Satan stands beside him to accuse him.

That’s what Satan does. He accuses. He reminds. He shames. And in this moment, he’s pointing out everything Joshua has done wrong, his unworthiness, failure, and past.

But then the Lord speaks: "The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” (Zechariah 3:2)

That statement stopped me!

What Does It Mean to Be a Brand Plucked from the Fire?

If you’ve ever sat near a bonfire, you’ve seen it—a charred log burned down, blackened and smoldering. It’s been through the flames, and while it may still hold its shape, it’s no longer what it once was. It looks ruined, maybe even useless.

That’s the picture Zechariah gives us: a person pulled out of destruction, rescued from what could’ve consumed them entirely.

God says to Satan, “This one? I’ve pulled her from the fire. And I will use her.”

This is redemption.

God Pulling Us from the fire of sin

What the Accuser Forgets

Satan’s accusations aren’t always lies. Sometimes, they’re based on real failures, actual sin. He’ll remind us of every fall, every weakness, every time we took the bait and gave into temptation. But what he always forgets is this: Christ intercedes for us. Just like Jesus told Peter in Luke 22, “Satan has asked to sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you.” Jesus intercedes before the failure even comes. He knows. And yet, He advocates for us. This is the difference between condemnation and conviction. Condemnation says you’re done. Conviction says you’re still being formed. Jesus doesn't ignore our failures. But He also doesn’t discard us because of them.

Your Life Has Purpose Even If You’ve Been Burned

That log pulled from the fire may not look impressive. It may not look helpful. But God says, “I’ll take that. I’ll redeem that. I’ll restore that.”

He does not save us just to set us aside. He pulls us out with purpose.

God used Joshua, God used Peter, and He used a brand plucked from the fire named John Wesley, a young boy rescued from a literal burning house who grew up to lead one of the greatest spiritual movements in church history. Wesley knew what it meant to be saved from the flames and spent his life preaching the gospel because of it.

What About You?

If God has pulled you from the fire, saved you from destruction, rescued you from sin, and redeemed your story, what are you doing with that life?

The enemy still accuses. But Christ still intercedes.

And we walk not in shame, but in freedom. Not in condemnation, but in victory.

Because we are daughters of the King.

And we are brands plucked from the fire.

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