Declare the Greatness of Our Rock

By Dean Collins

What’s the longest sermon you ever endured?

I meant heard! I have heard more than a few that hit the one-hour mark. I can assure you I have no memory of what was said! The late comedian, George Burns, once said, “The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending, then have the two as close together as possible.” A renowned Baptist pastor, Vance Havner once said, “Some preachers ought to put more fire into their sermons, or more sermons into the fire.”

At the end of the long sermon Moses preached that we know as Deuteronomy, he wrote a long song that is the thirty second chapter. Some of us grew up in churches that sang all seven verses of “Just As I Am,” hoping that one more verse would bring some lost soul down to the altar. I suppose sometimes it might have, but as a child all I could think of was how long before I got lunch or dinner!

Using a poem or song does help us remember, and Moses used this technique to reinforce his final message. One clear purpose of this song was to call the Israelites to bring praise to God and to make him famous as they continued their journey into their long-awaited land. Verses three and four read:

“I will proclaim the name of the Lord. 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.”

As we take steps on our journey of faith in this life, we want to join our ancient ancestors of faith and declare the greatness of our God! How many times has God shown himself faithful as your Rock? When was the last time you told someone your story?

As the song continues, Moses rehearses Israel’s journey through the promised land, including their frequent failures to follow or obey God’s instructions. Moses includes a prediction of their likelihood of failing to obey again. He also indicates that God is a God of justice and that ultimately, he will deal with his enemies.  

Finally, the song ends with this declaration by Moses:

 “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

I don’t know what hymns or worship songs you will sing next time you worship, but I suspect none will be as long or as detailed about your spiritual successes and failures. But this chapter is a strong reminder of proclaiming the greatness of our God and that we must share our stories with those we disciple at home and as we go.

Father, today we declare that you are our Rock. Your ways are perfect and just. We praise you as our almighty God and our deliverer. Give us courage to share your goodness and greatness with someone today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Your Time with God’s Word
Deuteronomy 32:1-47 ESV

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