The song turns to the narrative of God’s immanent work among His creation, and then especially following His choosing of Israel for the display of His fatherly care (Deut. 32:7–11). The call of Israel is the means to display for the world the attributes and experience of God in His world, to teach and provided inexplicable gifts and wonders—through these means of edifying and correcting a wayward child, God points to His ultimate salvation. Even here God teaches through song the inevitable brokenness—they will still not esteem the Rock of their salvation (Deut. 32:12–15). Israel will forget; we also forget (Deut. 32:16–18).
Singing leads to remembrance, remembrance to conviction, and to repentance. But will the people sing the song God gives them? Through the supernatural work accomplished by way of God’s jealousy (an attribute once again shaped and proven before the people), God will sustain His people by revealing the failure exhibited in the song and reminding them of who He is (Deut. 32:19–21). God will scatter His people, give them to the sense of terror, hunger and heat, mischief in their homes and warfare outside the walls (Deut. 32:22–25). Yet through it all, the song will be remembered in the hearts of many of this people. God gives the clarity, the preservation, and all this for His own glory’s sake (Deut. 32:26–28). While His people are void of counsel and lack understanding, He strikes them to the heart it is so that from their heart His song may burst forth—God is in charge! God is faithful! God is all He ever promised to be! Judgment is coming and with it the restoration of His chosen people (Deut. 32:29).
We sing because we need such reminders, not of our own emotional state, not of how good we could have it, not even to wallow in our own flesh. God gives us to remember who He is! When we remember who He is, we remember all this is His—including us who have called on His name. We sing with freedom and sanctification. What song is leading you to remember your Savior today?
Pastor Chris
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