When I think of a song, my mind goes first to the tune. Then I focus on the lyrics. When both the tune and the lyrics are powerful, the song is so much more memorable. Moses’ song appears to be lyrics only. The tune can always be added later. Isn’t it amazing how you can remember lyrics from songs you learned as a kid? I am always amazed when my husband, David breaks into song, only to find out it’s a song from the 60’s or one he played in a garage band back in the day.
God was brilliant when he had Moses write down a song to help the people remember. It’s a great learning tool. I’ve learned many Bible verses that way. Put them to a melody. As a worship leader, I’ve also learned many songs along the way only to find out later as I’m reading through the Bible that it was Scripture I was singing. I love those a-ha moments!
What do we see in this song? It’s broken down into several parts. It starts with Adoration. God wants our adoration and praise. We can’t show him enough. As Moses’ song declares, “I will proclaim the name of the Lord; how glorious is our God!” Adoration and praise are my favorite things about leading worship. When we can all sing and agree that God is great and worthy to be praised. It joins us together and bonds us with God.
The song moves on quickly to Reflection. We are looking at ourselves at this point and how we respond to God. Do we take him for granted? Are we rebellious?
From Reflection we move to Remembrance. Moses had been spending a lot of time helping these people remember their roots. It is helpful to understand the past so we can prepare for the future. We should try to learn from our mistakes so that we can be better in the future. The song focuses on all the mighty things God did to protect and provide. We could probably make a list of those for our own lives. I like some of the words here. God guarded, guided, and nourished.
The next verse of the song is back to describing the Israelites and their Response to God. Rebellion. Abandonment. As Moses’ song declares, “You neglected the Rock who had fathered you; you forgot the God who had given you birth.” After all that God has done for his people, to think they would turn their backs. It seems intentional!
God takes Action based on the people’s Response. God is not pleased. God lashes out. God doesn’t just sit around on his throne. He is active in our world. Where do we see the fingerprints of God? That was a Stephen Curtis Chapman song, “The Fingerprints of God.” I love imagining how our great God is interacting with us each day.
The song concludes again with Adoration. Surely the people will use this song to help them stay on track, to avoid the negative action God will take for their disobedience. We know from our own experience that we are wired to be sinful. We will never be perfect. That’s okay. Jesus was. We just need to strive to be our best and be real. People want to see what’s real and believable. We try to put on masks and be something we are not. We need to be real.
Moses concludes by telling the people to recite this song again and again and to teach their children. I love this line, “These instructions are not empty words—they are your life!”
Let’s pray. Lord I know I haven’t always been squeaky clean. Forgive me for those times when I have questioned you, resisted your love, followed the wrong crowd, doubted my worthiness, been in a negative spiral. Help me to trust you and see you in all things. May I feel the confidence I need to move forward in your will. Thank you for loving me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
