Brands plucked from the fire

I am continuing to meet with my 16 year-old inmate at the Regional Justice Center and I considered being sure I answer the first major question he asked me on Thursday. Who is God and who is Jesus? Is Jesus a prophet?

Later, I actually spoke to a 17 year-old young man, Roy. These young guys just tug at my heart He wanted to repent and come to Christ, right then. He is beginning his new journey. I suggested he read John 10, 14, and 15 and start a Bible study called a new beginning. Joseph Njonge remains in D unit and goes up and down. He hasn't slept for two days. I gave him a book, "Hinds feet in high places," and suggested he memorize Scripture. He chose the subject of petitions.

My contact, Jerry, is 16. He didn't finish ninth grade. I believe he could be a 3.5 or higher student with the significantly different support and influences. He is facing serious time and will be brought up on charges as an adult. I have a compassionate love for him.

Today, I brought in some short chapters on God and Jesus Christ from J. I. Packer's book, "I want to be a Christian," a sequel to his "Knowing God."
My inmate was tracking but we needed to move slowly so we covered God the Father as the Almighty Creator.

Then, we read together Zechariah 3:1-5.
1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.

2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?”

3 Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments.

4 And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.”

5 And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord was standing by.

I ended with a clear description here of what I am rejoicing to learn as "The Great Exchange"--God taking away all our sins and placing them on Jesus, covering us with His saving righteousness, and washing us with His blood. The next time we meet, if possible, I hope we will read through part of short chapters on the Person of Jesus Christ. To be saved, he needs to come to Jesus, repent of his sins and receive the forgiveness of his sins forever. Will he be a "brand plucked from the fire?"

I left him with understanding he is a "brand." He can be plucked from the fire. I told him the question remains, who does he think Jesus is and how will he respond to the Creator Almighty God of the universe.