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.
    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.

Deuteronomy 32:1-4

Moses begins his song in Deuteronomy 32 by addressing, not the people, but all of Creation, the earth and the sky above. He commands them elements to listen and be nourished and refreshed by the words of the song. When we say that God’s Word is what will save the world, we also remember that it was by his Word that the world was made!

We have a deep and almost instinctive knowledge of God’s power as believers. We know that Jesus made everything and that he is the power by which all people will be delivered (John 1). But we need to ensure that we don’t leave that knowledge unspoken. God’s power is not merely transcendent, distant and mysterious. It is also present, active and vital, changing the lives of people every day and permeating this world we inhabit.

Moses, in the same song, rebukes the people for their idolatry and unfaithfulness and yet affirms God’s commitment to salvation. He is eager to save the faithful. If only the people were as obedient and willing to listen as the earth and the heavens, they would receive the protection of God. Let us faithfully lean on the power of God and listen to his Word.

Ethan Kirl