Christ in all the scriptures
The power of song Deuteronomy 32
Deuteronomy chapters 14-31 are a reiteration and practical application of the Mosaic covenant to Israel, as they settled in the promised land. Believers, today are under the New covenant, and many of the ritualistic and ceremonial and cultural demands are not relevant to the Church. Indeed, the New Testament is notable for its lack of specific ordinances and ceremonies, emphasising more the inward spiritual faith common to all believers. However, there are abiding principles that apply; we are told not to conform to the world around us. Rather we are to exercise dignified pursuits and practices as the children of God.
Chapter 32 brings us to the closing hours of Moses life on earth. These are his final words after 40 years of faithful service. His words are described as a song (31v30 and 32v44), that is they could be set to music. God used songs to communicate His word, for often they are memorised more readily than sermons. Songs can become powerful in spiritual life, as they readily come to mind at all times. I recall walking alone, at a time of spiritual depression, that the Holy Spirit arrested me with the song written by Graham Kendrick...."the Servant King". I didn't even know the words, but I hummed the tune, then, miraculously, sang the words. I fell to my knees, and vowed before the Lord to serve Him with humility. That was a turning point for me. I hope these words do the same for you, I will never forget them:
"From heaven you came, helpless babe; entered our world, your glory veiled: Not to be served but to serve; and give your life that we might live!
This is our God, the servant King; He calls us now to follow Him To bring our lives as a daily offering; of worship to the servant King."
Scripture reveals that songs can be powerful sermons, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs..."; also great aids to worship. "...singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord"-Ephesians 5v19.
Moses is associated with three songs: Exodus 15v1/2 and 15v21 A song of rejoicing. The song extols the wonder of the Redeemer in v11, "Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?"
In Deuteronomy 32v1-43, it is A song of reproof in which Moses is contrasting the faithfulness of God, in His utter dependability, with the fickleness of the people of Israel, in their forgetful and rebellious ways. The message of the song is the publishing of the name of the Lord to ascribe greatness to Him-32v3. Witness the powerful testimony of song today: the song "Amazing grace" is the third most known entity in the world, behind O.K. and Coca Cola. At large sports events the hymn "Abide with me" is sung passionately. The group, The Proclaimers, popularised the conversion song "Sunshine on Leith". Who doesn't know "The Lord's my shepherd..."? Through songs, the name of the Lord is known throughout the world. The strains of their message continues every hour and in all places.
In Revelation 15v3-4, it is A song of retribution as the wrath of God is filled up against the godless nations of the earth; "And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest".
As servants of God, the songs should reflect all the attributes of God, whether for blessing or cursing, that He might be glorified. Moses is associated with every aspect of God's truth. He was called the servant of the Lord at the point of his death (Deut. 34v5). Like Paul after him, he "declared the whole counsel of God". The greatest accolade is given to him in scripture, when alongside Christ Jesus he was "faithful in all God's house". Also, in Revelation chapter 15 the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb are sung together by the vast congregation of the redeemed in heaven. The message of the song was powerful, the messenger was equally powerful. No one was closer to God than Moses, no one so declared God like Moses. The testimony of the Holy Spirit of the man Moses is, "...there arose not a prophet since in Israel, like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face". That is until the "prophet like unto Moses" came in the person of Christ Himself. The two are again linked together in John 1v17, "The law was given by Moses, grace and truth came by Jesus Christ".
We will attempt to scale the heights and depths of this song, as we continue.
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