Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 32:1-29
Moses
is now an old man. He has lived a long,
very hard life. And he has learned a lot
about the LORD, his God during his lifetime.
As he nears his last few hours on earth, he sits down to write a
song. A song about this God he has met
and followed. He gathers the people together and recites the words of this song
to them. Today, we call it “The Song of
Moses.”
The
lyrics of this song paint an amazing picture of who God is, what He has taught
the people, and how the people of God should move forward without Moses. He reminds them of the character of God and
the corruption of humanity – exhorting them to remember the great power and
kindness of God. Being aware of the
people’s tendency to rebel against God, Moses left with them with this song
that he wanted everyone to take to heart. The song reminded the people of God’s
loving care for them and of the need for faithfulness on their part towards
Him.
It
is important to note that Moses refers to God as “The Rock” at least five times
in this song. Not just “a” rock, but “THE” Rock. By one count, the LORD is called “The Rock”
some 59 times in the Bible, with Psalm 18:2 being perhaps the most well-known
verse, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock,
in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
The
metaphor of The Rock points to God being strong, solid, steadfast, and
consistent, not easily moved or shaken and a refuge for those in need. To the Israelites, a rock spoke to them as a
place of safety and security. A place to
hide from danger. A rock can provide security, a "fortress" and
place of "protection.” They were
well aware that the best place to hide from their enemies was in and amongst
the solid protection of a rock. The
expression evokes vivid imagery and a sense of security. God is a trustworthy,
rock-solid Savior. Moses tells them that
this same Rock who has brought you this far, will continue to be your Rock as
you move forward. Hide in Him. Seek safety in His strength.
Later
on, Jesus would build on this imagery and teach that those who listened to His
teachings and applied them to their lives were like those who build their house
on a rock – a solid foundation. There
are dangers and hazards all around.
Don’t build your life exposed to these hazards. Build your life on the strong, solid,
steadfast, and consistent Rock of your salvation. This same Rock who has brought you this far,
will continue to be your Rock as you move forward in Him.
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