Deuteronomy 32:19-29
IN THE beginning of his song Moses said that God is “the Rock,” and His work is perfect. These two thoughts are very precious to us: God the confidence and refuge of our souls, and His work — the result of His way — perfect. Here faith finds rest and peace.
We see further on in this chapter how this turns out to Israel’s salvation. For after they have left Him and turned to other false gods (v. 16), and He in judgment has given them over to their enemies (vs. 20, 25) after they are brought very low (v. 36), He, for His own sake, will act in grace on their behalf and will take vengeance on their enemies (v. 43).
“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God” so we read in chapter 29:29. That is, when Israel, corrupted and scattered over the face of the earth, when ruined and all hope naturally is gone, there is yet a secret God has hidden among His treasures, and that is the secret of His grace. For when humbled and repentant they turn to Him in the coming day, He will come in His sovereign grace and gather them back to their own land again.
“Behold, the LORD God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him.
“He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” Isa. 40:10,11.
His love never ceases, even though at times it has to express itself in chastisement.
So for a time He must hide His face from Israel, for they gave Him up for gods that were no gods. They became like the Gentiles in idolatry. They moved God to jealousy, so He tells them He would move them to jealousy by a people whom they despised most of all — poor Gentiles who would be brought into blessing.
How faithfully the Lord warned Israel here! How it grieved His heart to see them follow their sinful ways and the exceeding wickedness of the nations around. And how often do we choose paths of self-will, to the Lord’s dishonor and our own sorrow and loss. These things ought to be a warning to us whose hearts are no better than Israel’s; they were written for our learning (Rom. 15:4).
“O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!” How touching are the Lord’s pleadings with His people! But they were living for the present only, as so many are today.
God appeals to each one to “Consider his latter end.” Where does the path we are on lead to? Does it lead home to that blessed rest above with Christ in glory? or does it lead one away from God and down to death and eternal judgment? If you do not have Christ, dear reader, do not go on one moment longer without Him. Trust Him now as your Saviour and be sure you are on the heavenly way.
“I WILL SURELY DELIVER THEE,... BECAUSE THOU HAST PUT THY TRUST IN ME. SAITH THE LORD.” Jer. 39:18.
ML-05/23/1976