Like Showers On New Grass
Today’s scripture selection: Deuteronomy 32-34
Key verse: Deuteronomy 32:1-3
At the end of the Book of Deuteronomy we get a glimpse of Moses, not as lawgiver, but as poet.
Here, in the form of a song, we hear this invitation to praise the God that has been so centrally important in his life:
“Listen, you heavens, and I will speak; hear, you earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. I will proclaim the name of the Lord.”
And then, in great poetic form, he recounts the history of his people and their God.
I am particularly drawn to that image of his words of praise falling like showers on new grass.
It’s as if he is saying – after all the years of slavery and struggle; after all the years of desert wandering; after all the false starts and failures – God is still passionately and powerfully involved with His people. And, just as His grace and guiding wisdom refreshes and sustains us; so our praise should fall on the ears of those who are parched for good news.
This is a song of praise for those were desperately in need of spiritual refreshment – and have graciously received it.
Can you say that is true for you?
Can you identify with ways in which God has tenderly; or powerfully; reached down into your life and met your needs?
If so, sing along with Moses and his people.
“Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.”
“For the Lord’s portion is his people. Jacob his allotted inheritance. In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye, like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them aloft.”
Prayer: Lord, I lift my song of praise to you for finding me in a desert land; a barren and howling waste. AMEN.
