October 18, 2026
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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We prepare our hearts for worship by meditating on Exodus 33:12–23. This passage follows the disastrous scandal of the Golden Calf and Moses' intercession. That event has made clear an insurmountable problem. Can sinners handle the presence of the holy God in their midst? Will God dwell among those whose hearts are far from him? The answer to these questions is a resounding "No." Thus the Lord speaks in Exodus 33:1–3, "I will send an angel before you … but I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people."
But Moses found favor. "The LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." And now we see why Hebrews 3:2 says Moses "was faithful in all God's house." Moses was not content to alone find favor in God's eyes. Moses pleaded with God that the people of Israel might be blessed as well. "For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?" Moses understood that God's presence, and fellowship with him, is the greatest of all blessings, that, without it, no one is truly blessed. Do you feel the same way? Do you wish this for other people? Moses' yearning was for Immanuel, God-with-us. Or have you forgotten what blessing it is to know that God is with us in Christ? This is the blessing we yearn for others as well.
Also, Moses asked, "Please show me your glory." Moses longed for his faith to become sight. But God denied this request to his most faithful servant: "you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live." Moses, as faithful as he was, needed a mediator himself and could not face God's full holiness. "And the LORD said, "Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by, Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen."
Well does the beloved hymn say, "Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee". Ensconced safely in the cleft rock Moses was kept safe from God's shattering holiness. This rock, as the hymn points out, directs our faith to Christ: "let the water and the blood, from thy riven side which flowed, be of sin the double cure, cleanse me from its guilt and power." Thus, hidden in Christ, we behold God's holiness and we are spared. More than that, we see God has favored us even more greatly than Moses. For we have come to see in Jesus the very glory of God that Moses longed for.
Do you know how blessed you are to know Christ? To know that he is with you always? What joy it is to see God's glory in the face of the Redeemer who loved you and gave himself for you? Moses longed for this blessing that you and I often take for granted. May we return our heartfelt thanks and praise to the LORD who has so loved and blessed us. It is the only right response.
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Growth Resources
In October we are reading "Shapers of Christianity" by Nick Needham. See also 12 for 26.
Announcements
October 18: Sunday School continues. Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, ch. 80, "Baptism." Also November 1, "Infant Baptism."
October 21 (Wednesday 6 PM): Daniel Zoom study continues with Daniel 4. Meeting ID: 820 0070 3059. Passcode: 999522
October 25 (Lord's Day): Reformation Day fellowship at the Ligtenberg home. Please join us for a time of celebration and lessons.
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).
This Week's Prayers
Please email your prayer request by Thursday to include it in the list for the upcoming week — info@gracefallbrook.church