August 17, 2025
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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Zechariah 3:1–5 shows us a crisis unfolding. Joshua the high priest is standing before the LORD, and Satan is about to accuse him. The reason? Joshua was "clothed with filthy garments." Now, it is one thing if a farmer, after a long day of work, comes home in garments soiled with dirt and sweat. We all understand that is just the nature of his work with the soil. We also understand that there is nothing morally lacking about his soiled clothes. In fact, we might even give him the honor and recognition that an honest day's work deserves.
But it is different for Joshua. He is Israel's high priest, and it was his duty to present himself before the LORD in consecrated and clean clothing as befits his calling. But Joshua was "clothed in filthy garments." Furthermore, Joshua's filthy garments also represent the spiritual and moral failings of Joshua and the nation before the LORD. Indeed, if the high priest of the nation is so defiled and compromised, then how much worse is the case for the ordinary men and women who were not half as much as concerned about holiness as Joshua was? In other words, Satan had good cause to bring accusations against Joshua.
But something amazing happens which averts the crisis. The LORD does not permit Satan to speak one word of accusation against Joshua. But "the LORD said to Satan, "The LORD rebuke you, O Satan!" Truly and really Joshua deserved to be rebuked. Instead, the LORD rebuked the accuser (that is what "Satan" means). And the LORD gave a command so that Satan may never again bring accusations against Joshua. "Remove the filthy garments from him … "Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments."" Thus Joshua exchanged his filthy garments for pure vestments, and his iniquity (signified by the filthy garments) with righteousness (symbolized by pure vestments).
The LORD's defense of Joshua, the silencing of Satan, the changing of Joshua's identity and standing before the LORD, all point to what Jesus has accomplished for us. "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus … Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died — more than that, who was raised — who is at the right hand of God, who is interceding for us." (Romans 8) Jesus has given us his righteousness. And we, clothed in his righteousness, can face our accuser and say, "Jesus died and rose for me." Indeed, Jesus has silence the accuser. So we open our mouths and worship our Savior.
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Growth Resources
This year: Please see the full list of 2025 books as well as Bible reading plans on our church webpage.
In August we are reading “Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey and Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies” by David Koyzis..
This week: We are reflecting upon Shorter Catechism Q. 33.
Everyday: Noted pastor and theologian Sinclair Ferguson posts a short reflection every day, each around 5 minutes long. "Things Unseen" cover various aspects of the Christian life, worship, and theological topics in a very accessible and edifying way. We encourage you to incorporate this into your daily life. Please see this page for more information. There you will find links to various podcast platforms as well as YouTube page.
Upcoming Events and Notices
August 17 (Lord's Day): Please join us for Sunday School lesson from “Essential Truths of the Christian Faith” Ch. 55 “Syncretism.”
September 10 (Wednesday 7 PM): The Survey of the Pentateuch will resume with highlights from the book of Leviticus over Zoom. More information will be available shortly.
Thank you for your continued support of Grace Fallbrook (PCA). Your loving support makes the proclamation of the gospel and the building up of the saints possible. Please visit gracefallbrook.church/give and click on "Give Online Now." You will be directed to the PCA Foundation where you can give towards Grace Fallbrook (PCA).