Read Deuteronomy 32:28-43, Song of Moses Revisited (3)

Ø 32:28-33: Christians need to consider this passage in evaluating their own nations and societies.  Israel was “stupid.”  That’s what it means when it says they are a nation void of counsel, nor is there any understanding in them.  They do not understand that God has hidden His face from them.  He is no longer at work to bless them.  Instead, He is allowing them to get what they ask for.  Oh … that they would consider their latter end!  As a person who has spent a considerable amount of time in Israel and reading the Israeli media, I can say it is like this today.  For example, the remembrance of the Holocaust is “never again”.  We will build a nation and an army and a will so that this never happens again.  They do not say that God was in this, even though it perfectly fits the prophecy of Deut. 28:63-67.  During the Feast of Tabernacles there is very little said about the original purpose of the feast, which was to remember how they lived in booths in the wilderness for forty years.  The USA is not Israel, and these passages do not speak specifically of the USA.  But they express a universal truth, which is that we are stupid if we think we will be happy at the end of a path that is of our own choosing.  During this pandemic the primary lessons we seem to be picking up is whether or not the government is doing the right thing, whether or not our medical system is up to the task, whether or not we, a great nation, can weather this storm together. 

Ø 32:34-38: Vengeance is Mine, and recompense.  This is not complicated, and it is a very just thing for God to say.  He IS the Creator and Sustainer of all things and of all persons.  We are accountable to Him.  We ought not think that things just happen to us.  Rather, we ought to see every situation through the eyes of the Creator.  Our blessings are ultimately from His hand; we should thank Him.  If we don’t we should expect a response from Him.  Vengeance is rightfully His.

Ø 32:39-42: I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me.  We said at the beginning of the Song, in v3-4, that our attention is called to the Rock, the LORD who is just and righteous and true.  The Song throughout, and in its conclusion, continually calls attention to the Rock.  He begot Israel (v18).  Israel scornfully esteemed Him (v15).  He sold them to their enemies (v30).  He is a Rock like no other rock (v30). 

Ø 32:43: In the end, this amazing Rock, will do an amazing thing: He will provide atonement for His land and His people.  The word means He will “cover” their sin, as Noah covered the ark with pitch (Gen. 6:14, same word).  This atonement will require the blood of a perfect sacrifice.  There will be no one to do this, so God Himself will come to earth and take on true humanity and be that Sacrifice!  This will not only bless Israel; it will be the cause for rejoicing by people of every nation, language, people and tribe (Rev. 5:9; 7:9-10).

God is working today.  He is working in your life and circumstances.  Are you acknowledging this?  Are you in His word, the Bible, so you can hear what He desires of you?