Deuteronomy 32:1-52


We are always very good at making up excuses for our sins and failures.  We try to shift the blame for our sins onto others, society or even God Himself.  One of our favorite excuses is to simply plead ignorance and say: “I didn’t know.”  God called Moses to write a song that would stand as a testimony to the people of all that He had done for them as well as the warnings that He had given them.  They would never be able to claim that they did not know of God’s warnings to them because this song was a warning to that very fact.  This is not a particularly happy song, but it does remind the people of the importance of their relationship with God and warns them of the consequences of turning away from that relationship.  Music should continue to point to the greatness and faithfulness of God as well as warn us of the consequences of sin.  I will look forward to hearing this song in heaven, but for now we are only able to analyze the lyrics.

GOD IS OUR CREATOR: The song starts out by establishing the fact of God’s sovereignty over the universe.  As the creator of the world in which we live, He is in control and has every right to expect that the entire world will seek to live for His glory.  We must never forget that He has made us.  We are responsible to Him because we are made by Him.  His right to rule over our lives is obvious because of His rights as our Creator. 

GOD IS OUR PROVIDER: God not only created the world, but He made great provisions for His creation.  He established land and sea and filled them with means that would meet all of man’s needs.  He especially chose the children of Israel to experience unique blessing and provision.  They were given a special place of honor and riches beyond that which the other nations received.  However this special provision results in a greater responsibility to worship God.  The blessings of God increase our opportunities as well as our responsibilities; we cannot expect to have one without the other.

GOD IS OUR JUDGE: Moses warns the people that if they refuse to respond to God’s blessings with gratitude and worship that they will experience judgment from God.  God does not stand silently by and watch His children stray off into idolatry and rebellion.  He promises to discipline His people by sending other nations who will invade the land, destroy their homes, slaughter their children and take them captive as slaves.  It is a dangerous thing to ignore the blessings of God.  We must constantly encourage one another to be grateful to God, praise God and lives our lives for His glory.  A failure to do so will be met with judgment from God.

GOD IS OUR REDEEMER: The song ends on a happy note that gives the nation and us hope.  It is within the heart of God to forgive and redeem His people from sin.  He responds to rebellion with wrath but He responds to repentance with restoration and redemption.  No matter how devastating the consequences of sin may become; there is always hope because of the graciousness of God.  He stands ready to release of from the consequences of sin if we will only turn from our idolatry to worship Him through our faith in Christ.  This song of redemption should play repeatedly through our minds each day.

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