Tuesday - Deuteronomy 32 - Our Rock

Deuteronomy 32:4, 13, 15, 18, 30, 31 & 37 all use the word "rock" at least once. There is a clear comparison in this chapter (and, for that matter, in the whole Bible) between The Rock (I Corinthians 10:4) and various rocks (Matthew 16:18). True, my God is a Rock! He is the rock. He is our firm foundation, our chief cornerstone, our strong defense and our high tower. We... rather, let me say, I reek of weakness, frailty, instability, capriciousness and ineptitude. But God doesn't. Everything that we lack, He possesses.  For every sinful trait that we exude, He has an opposite perfection that is there to negate our fault. If it were not for His ability and willingness to show us mercy based upon His character and not ours, we would all be doomed (Psalm 118:2).

Read Moses' song slowly and carefully. God's perfection is on display. This is worship in high form. God is presented as the God of truth, justice and righteousness. He is Israel's (and our) Creator and Redeemer. He teaches us and dotes upon us with undivided attention. He has mothered us and sustained us with bountiful blessings. Sadly though, in contrast to God's goodness, the incredible depravity of God's people is seen in how Israel responded to all of God's kindnesses. Rather than living in submission and gratitude, Israel behaved as a spoiled and selfish brat (Deuteronomy 32:15).