Reading
- Deut. 31:1-8, 14-15, 23, 16-32:47
Devotional
Moses was now 120 years old and he was nearing the end of his life on earth. GOD told him to teach the Israelites a song as a witness for GOD against them so that when they disobeyed Him later they would recall that GOD had prophesied about it well in advance. Moses gathered the Israelites together and read the words of the song before the entire congregation. The song begins with these words:
Listen, O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.
(Deut. 32:1-2 NIV)
The song goes on to remind the listener how GOD took the Israelites from the land of Egypt and rescued them and blessed them. Once they grew prosperous, however, they forgot GOD and turned aside to idols. As a result of their sin, GOD punished them and rejected them. All of these things would come to pass hundreds of years later.
When Moses finished reading the song to all the people he said:
Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.
(Deut. 32:46-47 NIV)
GOD is life. He is the source, the giver and sustainer of life. All life comes from GOD. The words of Moses' song also came from GOD. The truths discussed in the song came from GOD. Therefore, since everything comes from GOD and it is GOD who determines our fate, we need to listen to Moses' advice and take GOD’s word to heart! The Israelites forgot over time—GOD's word—the promises of this song—slipped out of their hearts generation after generation. And, just as GOD foretold, the people turned away from Him and served idols and the punishments came upon their heads. They were foolish because they failed to keep GOD's word in their heart.
What will you do?
