27th February Deuteronomy 32 Do Not Forget!
That was not a happy song, I can’t imagine we would sing that on a Sunday morning! I wonder if Moses sang these words of warning, so it was more memorable, so the people would really heed the warning given.
It always shocks me when I read passages like this, of God and his vengeance on us, of the consequences of turning away, because I know God is our Father and a God of love, so it seems like a contradiction of His character. But reading it again, I saw a hurting Father, a jealous God, someone who desperately doesn’t want to lose their children. God knows that we get distracted by life around us, we forget His words, we wander off the path, and we try to do life without Him. God knows that we need Him, and will do anything to keep us close by his side. It must be heart wrenching, seeing the children you created turn their back, forget you and lead a life without you. No wonder God continually reminds His children of all He has done, and gave us these instructions to help us. He has done everything possible (including giving us Jesus!) so we can have a relationship with Him.
At the end of the song Moses tells the people to pass these words onto their children (v.46), and said numerous times in previous chapters to remember, don’t forget all that God has done, pass on to others what God has done. Isn’t it easy to forget all that God has done for us? Our memories fade, we too need to take the advice from Moses, pass on the stories of what God has done in your life. Write them down, tell people, remember the goodness of God in your life. Learn scripture, memorise His promises, so you can hold onto them in tricky times. I think we have forgotten the art and importance of memorising and proclaiming His truth. As Moses continues to say ‘these instructions are not empty words - they are your life!’
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Question:
What do you need to write down, so you don’t forget and can pass on to future generations about what God has done in your life? Ask God to point you to a promise/story/Psalm in the Bible, for you to memorise and declare and hold onto in this season of your life.
Prayer:
Thank you Father God that you so desperately love us. Thank you for your Word. Helps us keep our eyes fixed on You. Amen.