“Then Moses spoke the words of this song until they were finished, in the ears of all the assembly of Israel… I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God!” Deuteronomy 31:30–32:3
Ever since I read in Scripture that Moses was the most humble man living in his time (Numbers. 12:3), I’ve been especially intrigued by his life, seeking to learn from and imitate the humility of his faith.
One great display of that humility is in Moses’ final song – the words he shared at the end of his life as a kind of final charge for the people. From this song, Moses gives us three key lessons on proclaiming God’s greatness in a humble testimony to those around us.
First, Moses spoke the truth with gentleness.
The words of this song were to be taken to heart because the Lord promised they would be the people’s very life. This song was “Truth.”
In humility, Moses delivered it with grace. Moses’ hope was that it would “distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb.” So also, we are called, in humility, to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), sharing life-giving truth with gentleness and conviction.
As we seek to be a gospel witness to our co-workers, neighbors, family members, and friends, do we have the humility to honor God’s truth above our own while also demonstrating lovingkindness for a fellow image-bearer of Him?
Second, Moses proclaimed the Lord’s greatness – not his own.
Moses’ final words were not about his own name and greatness but the Lord’s. Moses declares that the Lord is our Rock of salvation, perfect in His work, just in His ways, faithful, without iniquity, just, and upright. He is our Father, Creator, Maker, Establisher, Most High, Finder, Caretaker, Keeper, Catcher, Bearer, Vindicator, Life Giver, Inheritance Giver, Healer, Cleanser, and God alone. The final line of his song is a command for the very heavens to bow down to the Lord. So also, the anthem of the humble is not their own name, but that of Jesus – the name above all names (Philippians 2:9).
In our ministry for the Lord – in our workplaces, churches, neighborhoods, and homes – are we seeking our glory or His? Are we hoping others will commend and applaud us as messengers or the One who entrusted us with the message?
Third, Moses feared the consequences of pride.
Moses knew the people would one day say, “Our hand is triumphant, it was not the Lord who did all this.” They would turn to other gods, forsake the Lord, scoff at Him, be unmindful of Him, break His covenant, do evil, be void of counsel, and forsake all faithfulness. And Moses knew that this pride would bring their calamity and doom. He fiercely resisted that pride in his own life and urgently warned others of their own too.
Through our testimony and example, are we marked by humility that acknowledges our smallness compared to God’s greatness and that honors others above ourselves? Are we quick to remind ourselves and anyone who will listen, as Moses did, that no other gods or lifeless idols can save us because there is no one besides the Lord?
In the humble song of our lives, we too can proclaim the name above all names and admonish others to fear Him above all else – because these words, the song of Moses, this truth, is our very life.
Written by Kaitlin Febles, Guest Contributor
WANT TO KNOW EVEN MORE ABOUT MOSES?
Read “Moses – A Foreshadowing of Christ” by Bryant Wright
