THE GOD WHO REMOVES GARMENTS OF SHAME

THE GOD WHO REMOVES GARMENTS OF SHAME

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Zechariah 3:1-5

Key Verse: “And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” – Zechariah 3:4

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 61:7, Psalm 34:5, Joel 2:26-27, Luke 15:21-22, Romans 10:11

Description: God replaces the garments of shame with garments of righteousness, honour, and glory for those who trust in Him.

INTRODUCTION:
Shame is a powerful weapon the enemy uses to imprison people in guilt, regret, and self-condemnation. It can arise from past sins, mistakes, failures, or even unfair circumstances that have left scars on your identity. Many people live under the weight of shame, believing their lives can never be restored. Yet, our God is a redeemer who delights in lifting burdens and restoring dignity to His children.

In Zechariah 3:1-5, Joshua the high priest stood before the angel of the Lord clothed in filthy garments. Satan accused him, but God rebuked the accuser, removed Joshua’s filthy clothes, and dressed him in clean garments. This divine exchange symbolises how God takes away our disgrace and clothes us in His righteousness. He does not leave us in our brokenness but restores honour and favour to all who turn to Him.

Today, you may feel unworthy or disqualified because of shame. But the Lord is declaring over you that your season of disgrace has ended. He is removing the filthy garments of your past, silencing every accuser, and clothing you with His glory. The God who removed Joshua’s shame is the same God who will remove yours and give you a new beginning.

1. GOD DOES NOT DESIRE YOUR LIFE TO BE CLOTHED IN SHAME
God’s original intention for humanity is glory and honour, not disgrace or humiliation. Shame entered the world through sin, but God’s desire has always been to restore His people.

a) Created for honour and glory (Isaiah 43:7)
God created you for His glory and not for disgrace. Shame is a distortion of your original identity and must be rejected.

b) Jesus bore our shame on the cross (Hebrews 12:2)
At Calvary, Christ endured shame so you could be free. You are no longer bound by the guilt of your past.

c) Shame separates you from your destiny (Genesis 3:10)
Adam and Eve hid themselves in shame, but God came seeking them to restore fellowship. Shame isolates you, but God calls you back.

d) God promises double honour (Isaiah 61:7)
God does not only remove shame but replaces it with double honour for your trouble.

Biblical Example: The prodigal son in Luke 15:21-22 returned home expecting humiliation, but his father clothed him with the best robe, signifying restored honour.

2. GOD SILENCES EVERY ACCUSER IN YOUR LIFE
Satan is known as the accuser of the brethren, and shame is one of his tools. But God rebukes him on your behalf and declares you righteous.

a) God rebukes the accuser (Zechariah 3:2)
Just as God rebuked Satan over Joshua, He silences every voice of accusation against you.

b) The blood of Jesus speaks better things (Hebrews 12:24)
The blood cancels every accusation, replacing guilt with mercy and grace.

c) You are justified by faith (Romans 5:1)
Your righteousness is not based on your works but on Christ’s finished work, silencing all accusations.

d) No condemnation for the redeemed (Romans 8:1)
Shame cannot stand where God has declared you free and forgiven.

Biblical Example: In John 8:3-11, the woman caught in adultery was accused and condemned by men, but Jesus silenced her accusers and restored her dignity.

3. GOD GIVES YOU A NEW IDENTITY IN CHRIST
When God removes shame, He doesn’t just leave you empty—He clothes you with His righteousness and gives you a new name.

a) You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Your past no longer defines you; God has given you a fresh start.

b) Clothed with Christ’s righteousness (Isaiah 61:10)
The filthy garments are replaced with garments of salvation and robes of righteousness.

c) Restored to sonship (Galatians 4:7)
You are no longer a slave to sin or shame but an heir of God’s promises.

d) God removes reproach (Joshua 5:9)
Just as God rolled away Israel’s reproach at Gilgal, He removes the reproach from your life.

Biblical Example: Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52 threw away his beggar’s garment when Jesus called him, symbolising a change of identity and destiny.

4. GOD REPLACES YOUR SHAME WITH GLORY AND HONOUR
God’s plan is not only to remove disgrace but to exalt you and make your life a testimony of His goodness.

a) God lifts the humble (Psalm 3:3)
He is the lifter of your head and the restorer of your honour.

b) He turns mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11)
The sorrow of shame is replaced with the joy of restoration.

c) His people shall never be ashamed (Joel 2:26-27)
God ensures that your story ends in victory, not humiliation.

d) He crowns you with glory and honour (Psalm 8:5)
God places His glory upon your life so that others will see His goodness in you.

Biblical Example: Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:1-7 went from living in obscurity and shame in Lo-Debar to sitting at King David’s table as royalty.

CONCLUSION:
Shame is not your destiny, and disgrace is not your portion. God specialises in lifting the heads of the downtrodden and giving beauty for ashes. No matter your past or what people have said about you, the God who removed Joshua’s filthy garments is ready to remove every garment of shame from your life.

As you trust Him today, He will silence your accusers, change your identity, and replace your shame with glory and honour. Stand firm in this truth and walk boldly in the new garments of righteousness He has given you.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, thank You for Your power to remove shame from my life.
2. Father, cleanse me from every sin and guilt that has clothed me with shame.
3. Lord, silence every accusing voice of the enemy against my destiny.
4. Father, replace every garment of reproach in my life with garments of honour.
5. Lord, restore my dignity and position in every area where I have been humiliated.
6. Father, turn my sorrow and mourning into dancing and joy.
7. Lord, cause my testimony to inspire others to trust You.
8. Father, give me double honour for every shame I have endured.
9. Lord, clothe me with righteousness and favour before men and before You.
10. Father, let Your glory be revealed in my life for all to see.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall no longer wear the garment of shame but be clothed with glory.
2. You shall experience double honour for every humiliation you have faced.
3. You shall rise above every accusation of the enemy with victory and favour.
4. You shall walk in divine dignity and restoration in every area of your life.
5. You shall see your sorrow turned into joy and your mourning into dancing.
6. You shall be a testimony of God’s power to those around you.
7. You shall enjoy favour before God and men in extraordinary ways.
8. You shall never return to the season of reproach or disgrace.
9. You shall receive blessings greater than your past losses.
10. You shall shine as a witness of God’s glory and faithfulness all your days.