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Studies in the Book of Deuteronomy XIII (Settle for More Part III)
Moses’ Farewell
Deuteronomy 32 and 34
By Senior Pastor Dr. Daniel Ho
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. They are corrupt and not his children; to their shame they are a warped
and crooked generation. Is this the way you repay the Lord, you foolish and unwise people? Is
he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you? (Deuteronomy 32:1-6)
The Lord will vindicate his people and relent concerning his servants when he sees their strength
is gone and no one is left, slave or free. (Deuteronomy 32:36)
“See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have
wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand. (Deuteronomy 32:39)
Moses came with Joshua son of Nun and spoke all the words of this song in the hearing of the
people. When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, he said to them, “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.” (Deuteronomy
32:44-47)
Introduction
These are Moses’ last words. The last word of a dying person is very important. These are the last
minute instructions and the will of a person, possibly containing inheritance to be passed down.
Moses prepared himself well. He made sure things were put in place.
We serve our generation best by preparing for the next.
Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands
on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses.
(Deuteronomy 34:9)
Moses prepared Joshua over the years ensuring he can lead the next generation.
In life, we are always writing the next chapter by what we do or fail to do.
Not only did Moses serve his generation but he also prepared for the next generation. In the life
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of Moses, he was keen to pass on the baton.
And Moses recited the words of this song from beginning to end in the hearing of the whole
assembly of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:30).
Deuteronomy 31:30 suggests that Deuteronomy 32 is a song, the Song of Moses. Why did Moses
craft a song?
If we want to be communicated on from generation to generation, turn them into music and
songs, drama and art pieces. We can remember songs we learn decades ago. Les Miserables was
written by Victor Hugo in 1862. Today, we still know the story because we have watched the play
or the movie.
Oberammergau, a Germany town was attacked by bubonic plague
or Black Death. The plague spread all over Europe killing many and
wiping out many villages. The people of the town gathered and
pleaded with God that if God spared them they would honour God
all their lives. They produced a play called the Passion of Christ. The
play was first staged in 1634. Up to today, the play has been
performed every 10 years.
That’s what Moses did. He turned his farewell into a song, which included 4 main parts.
1 Repetition of the law (Deuteronomy 31:1, 2, 46)
The words of Moses are like rain showered upon the people, reminding them about God.
1.1 A reminder about who God is and what He has done
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 32:3, 4)
Moses was concerned to remind the people of God, that He is a God who is unshakable whom
we can count on in good times and in bad times.
1.2 A picture about how God’s people have acted
They are corrupt and not his children; to their shame they are a warped and crooked generation.
Is this the way you repay the Lord, you foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your
Creator, who made you and formed you? (Deuteronomy 32: 5, 6)
In spite of God’s faithfulness, God’s people did not return in kind. They took God for granted.
Sadly, this is how we sometimes behave. Our actions do not reflect any gratitude towards God.
1.3 The reality of God’s judgment
Why must God judge? We tend to think the God of the Old Testament (OT) is fierce as compared
to the tender loving God in the New Testament (NT). The God in OT and the God in NT is one and
the same. Sometimes even Christians failed to grasp this truth. Why is it that God wants to judge?
It is because He loves us.
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And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father
addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose
heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens
everyone he accepts as his son.” (Hebrews 12:5, 6)
Pastor Daniel had visited a prison. He managed to preach to the prisoners and brought many to
Christ. He spoke to them through the fence. He asked them how they ended up in prison. The
answer is invariably the same – when they were young, they made mistakes and no one corrected
them. Gradually, they went from lying, to stealing to robbery. They then got into with more
serious crimes and ended up in prison. This proves that if we love our children, we must discipline
them.
The 10 commandments appeared only in the book of Deuteronomy and no other books. The law
of God is always for our good and not for our bad. If we don’t follow laws, we will bring upon
ourselves damages or even destructions. An example is traffic law. If we do not obey the traffic
law, we may get into an accident. If we don’t obey the law of God, we are inviting troubles and
disasters upon ourselves. When we disobey God’s law, He disciplines us out of love. He has to
respond in discipline and punishment when He sees us breaking his law. Likewise, parents must
discipline their children when they are disobedience if they really love them.
1.4 The mercy and grace of God
See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have
wounded and I will heal (Deuteronomy 32:39a)
All of us have made mistakes in life. The amazing thing is that if we come humbly to God to
confess and repent sincerely, God will forgive us. That’s the mercy and grace of God. We often
fail God in our relationship; in things we do or do not do, things we say or in exploiting others.
We need to turn to God for repentance.
As Moses was coming to the end of his life, Moses wanted the people to know the grace and
mercy of God. He wanted the people to take sin seriously.
2 Renewal of the covenant
Moses came with Joshua[g] son of Nun and spoke all the words of this song in the hearing of the
people. When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, he said to them, “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.” (Deuteronomy
32:44-47)
Moses got the people to renew their covenant with God.
2.1 Moses’ words are not idle words: they are your life!
Every human being wrestles with three critical questions. Unfortunately, not many confront these
questions. If we do pursue them and found answers, we will be liberated.
 Identity – Who am I?
A lot of people think their identity is dependent on what they do, the kind of house they
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live in, the car the drive and the clothes they wear or even how they look. Do not be
deceived. Our identity has nothing to do with all these. Not all of us are blessed in these
areas in the same way. These things come and go. Our identity is discovered in Jesus Christ.
Life is about finding our identity. The reality is that once we become Christians, we look
at things differently.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Community - Where do I belong?
All of us are looking for a place to belong. That’s the reason so many clubs and pubs are
set up. One of the worst things a parent can tell a child is that he or she does not belong
in the family. It is great to belong to a great community of faith in the church. But that is
not enough, we need to belong in a smaller community – the cell group where we meet
weekly and encourage one another. It’s very easy to stand on the side line and be
judgemental. But we want to be part of the community and connect with it and contribute
to it.

Significance – Am I worth anything?
No one likes to feel worthless whether rich or poor. We all are looking for significance in
life. Everyone is of great value to God. God has purchased us with his precious blood. He
died for us to bring us into a wonderful relationship with God. We are treasured by God.
Do not let anyone despise us or look down on us.
Moses reminded the people that life is about knowing our identity, whether we belong and our
worth. Do not pursue the things of the world.
2.2 Re-embracing this covenant commitment with God
We need to renew our covenant with God. Make time to meet every week, to pray and to read
the Bible. In the same manner, those who are married must make time for one another. If we
take our marriage seriously, we need to sow into it. Pastor Daniel makes it a point to have dinner
with his family on Sunday evening.
3 Review of the Promised Land
On that same day the Lord told Moses, “Go up into the Abarim Range to Mount Nebo in Moab,
across from Jericho, and view Canaan, the land I am giving the Israelites as their own
possession. There on the mountain that you have climbed you will die and be gathered to your
people, just as your brother Aaron died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people.
(Deuteronomy 32:48-50)
Moses, due to one disobedient action he carried
out could not enter the Promised Land. However,
God in His mercy allowed Moses to stand on
Mount Nebo to take a look at Canaan. A Synagogue
of Moses was built and still stands there today with
a bronze serpent on a stick.
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4 Release of Blessings (33:1-9)
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. They are corrupt and not his children; to their shame they are a warped
and crooked generation. Is this the way you repay the Lord, you foolish and unwise people? Is he
not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you? Remember the days of old;
consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will
explain to you. When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when he divided all
mankind, he set up boundaries for the peoples according to the number of the sons of Israel. For
the Lord’s portion is his people, Jacob his allotted inheritance. (Deuteronomy 33:1-9)
God wanted to release his blessings through Moses. It was an amazing release of God’s blessings.
The heart of a father is to see the children and descendants do well.
Conclusion
Ronald Reagan was elected as the 40th President of the America in 1981. He was the oldest
elected president at the age of 70 and he served two terms, as limited by their Constitution. This
is good as no one should be holding power for a long time. In the Philippines, a president can
only serve one term. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. All things
considered, he led well. His deputy was George H. W. Bush. Usually, the President will marginalize
the Vice President. Not Reagan. He had lunch with Bush every Thursday for 8 years. They talked
about the issues and challenges they faced during the week. When Reagan was to step down,
Bush was ready to step up for election. Bush succeeded as the 41st United States President.
Reagan left a notepad with the legend “Don’t let the turkeys get you down.” He also left a note.
“You’ll have moments when you want to use this particular stationery. Well go
do it. George, I treasure the memories we share and wish you all the very best.
You’ll be in my prayers. God bless you and Barbara. I’ll miss our Thursday
lunches. ~Ron”
That’s the heart of a father.
Sermon summary by Loong and Prayer points by ZhenLi
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SERMON: Renewal of the Covenant
Pray:

Thank God that we live under the grace covenant; let us not take it for granted.

Thank God that Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

We will always examine our own lives and not be hypocritical, that we will walk the talk.

We will always remember what God has done for us in the past, always have a thankful heart and not
be a complaining person.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians
5:18)
MINISTRIES & EVENTS: 3-day Fast & Prayer/ Church Morning Prayer
11 to 13 November 2014. 5:30 am – 7:00 am
Pray:

Holy Spirit to stir our hearts and get us ready to pray and intercede.

Many will participate in the fast and prayer as we stand in the gap for our nation and many other issues
and happenings.

God will move mightily through this event and draw us closer to Him.

May our hearts be turned to God, ready to receive the Holy Spirit and a fresh anointing from Him.
And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will
prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. (Joel
2:28)
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MALAYSIA MY NATION: Stateless Children in Sabah
The Home Minister recently announced that Putrajaya would be working closely with the National
Registration Department (NRD) and Education departments to issue birth certificates to stateless children
on humanitarian grounds, to enable them to get education. However, the native Sabahans are worried that
their future would be threaten and they will become the minority. They are hoping that Putrajaya will do it
transparently and consult the various stakeholders.
Pray:
 The whole exercise would be carried out in a transparent manner, with consultation with the relevant
authorities like Foreign Embassy, the Philippine Embassy, UNESCO, NGOs and others.
 It would be done with the peoples’ interest at heart and not because of any political interests.
 The rights of the native Sabahans will be protected and they will not be marginalised.
 Christians in Sabah will continue to stand in the gap for their land and to contribute in this issue in a
positive manner, being the salt and light in the midst of chaos and confusion.
You are the salt of the earth. But id the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made
salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled
underfoot. (Matthew 5:13)
A TRANSFORMED WORLD: Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar
140,000 Rohingya Muslims are confined to camps in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Displaced by outbreaks of
violence between the Rohingya Muslims and Rakhine Buddhists two years ago, they endure wretched
conditions, apartheid-like condition. Marginalisation of the Rohingya, who are de facto stateless, drives
many to flee the country by boat.
Pray:

God will intervene in this situation to relief the sufferings of the Rohingya people in the camps,
especially for the younger children.

Christians will lend a helping hand through medical and food aid to them and will be an advocate for
their rights as citizens of Myanmar.

The government will handle this issue in a just and fair manner to return the Rohingya people back to
their own villages and not confine them in camps.

The international community will continue to put pressure on the government to carry true reforms and
grant this group of people their citizenships and not as second-class citizens.

God’s plan and purpose for the Rohingya Muslims to be fulfilled and many of them will turn to Jesus
in genuine repentance.
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of
refreshing may come from the Lord. (Acts 3:19)
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