Good morning,
This year is almost over. For some this was a year of joy and contentment, but for others of loss and hardship. For some a combination of both. Whatever situation you are in, this would be a good time to reflect on what God has done during this past year. When we reflect on God’s all knowing, ever-present, all-powerful character, then the events of the year may have a clearer meaning. Then we need to ask ourselves, “How did we deal with these events?” How did we glorify God this year? What could we have done better? Then we set some goals for next year.
The Song of Moses will be our text for this week. Moses is getting ready to die. He writes this song to remind Israel of their past and what they will do in the future. Our goal is to take lessons from Moses’ teaching and apply it to our lives.
Song of Moses
Deuteronomy 32:1-43
God’s judgment on Israel’s enemies (v34-38)
34 Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures?35 To me belongeth vengeance and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.36 For the Lord shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.37 And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,38 Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.
“The possibility of compassion is implied as the poet turns his attention to the “impending doom” which would come upon those enemies of Israel whom God would employ as His instruments of judgment (v34-35). God could use the foreign nations to execute judgment on His own people (Is. 10:5; 39:6; 44:28); yet they would remain responsible for their acts. Verse 35 is quoted in Romans 12:18 and Hebrews 10:30. (Liberty Annotated Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1975, pg. 351)
Vindication and vengeance of God (v39-43)
39 See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.40 For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.41 If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.42 I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.43 Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.
“These verses contain the vindication and vengeance of God. There is no god with me (beside Me). The false gods are impotent; only Yahweh can kill, and . . . make alive . . . wound and . . . heal. I lift up my hand to heaven symbolizes the making of an oath, which is introduced by the formula that follows. God declares that He will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me. Even though Israel’s enemies had been instrumental in the execution of God’s judgment on Israel, they themselves would eventually experience the wrath of God for their evil acts. (Liberty Annotated Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1975, pg. 351)
CHALLENGE
Remember 2023
Plan 2024
Trust God always
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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