Deuteronomy 32

 “He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Twice in the prior chapter, Moses spoke these important words. Israel would fail. They would be disciplined. God would even hide from them. Yet He would not leave them or forsake them.

The song that God gave to Israel through Moses begins with the Lord's greatness. The One who is the Most High God speaks.

The problem that would come between Israel and God would not be a result of some flaw in the Lord's being or character. He is the Rock.

The fault is ours. The glory is His.

Our glory is only found in Him. In Him we even find a holy boldness. In His Son we have a ministry of reconciliation to others. See 2 Corinthians 5.

We remember that the Lord is Israel's Father, and the Father of all who have faith in His Son. He made us. Why would we ever turn away from Him?

The Lord has determined that Jacob is His inheritance. But now, through one descendant of Jacob, the tent of Israel has been expanded to include many from among the nations. We have become the inheritance of the Lord, and He will sanctify us.

The Lord made Israel to be His people. He rescued them, provided for them, and blessed them. But when they prospered, they rebelled. They forgot the Rock of their salvation, and provoked Him to anger.

Even this sad story was a part of the mystery of the glorious work of God, known to Him before the ages began. The nations, who were not God's people, would be brought in by the Lord's sovereign will, and one day, they would make the Jews jealous again for the Lord.

In the meantime, the Lord would bring the curse of the Law upon His own beloved people. They would face the horrors of siege and exile. Many would die.

Though God would use foreign armies as agents of discipline against Israel, He would vindicate them and have compassion on His servants. He would do this in the faithfulness of His covenant love, but especially for the glory of His own Name.

Through the story of Israel, God would display His justice and His love. Later, through the gift of the Messiah, He would show how He could both punish their rebellion, and be their companion who would never leave them or forsake them.

This song that God gave Israel was a warning to them, and it became the story of their life together as a people. But it was also a powerful Word about the character of their Lord and God.

Who can stand in the glory of the holiness of God's character? Even Moses was not able to enter the land. Even Moses' faith had failed.

But now a descendant of Jacob has been found who has kept covenant perfectly with the Father. He has won for us the security of eternal blessing. Through Him we walk not only in the fear of the Lord, but also in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. In Him, perfect love casts out all fear of torment. In Him we have peace with God forever.