But Jeshurun Grew Fat and Kicked

.

But Jeshurun Grew Fat and Kicked

A number of times,  I’ve seen young children  throwing terrible tantrums  in the stores.     They refuse to be appeased  by their parents.     They wanted  what they wanted,  when they wanted,  without any  “ifs”,  “ands”,  or  “buts”.      One kid went so far  as to bite his mother’s hand  on the shopping cart.

It all reminded one  of what Moses said  to the Children of Israel  near the end of his time  on earth.      In Deuteronomy 32:15-15,  it says,

But  Jeshurun  grew fat  and kicked—
You are grown fat,  thick,  and sleek—
Then  he forsook God  who made him,
And scorned  the Rock  of his salvation.
They made Him jealous  with strange gods;
With abominations  they provoked Him  to anger.
They sacrificed  to demons  who were not God,
To gods  whom they have not known,
New gods  who came lately,
Whom your fathers  did not dread.
You neglected  the Rock  who begot you,
And forgot  the God  who gave you birth.

It doesn’t take much  for people  to desire independence,  when they feel they are strong  and capable.      Age makes no difference.      God is called our Father  because He created us  and sustains us  from day to day — just as we sustain  our children.      As children are helpless,  we are helpless  and in need  of God’s daily care.      But,  as children often don’t realize  their weaknesses  and inabilities — neither do grownups.

Jeshurun was another name  for Israel.      When all Israel’s material needs  had been met,  they felt no need  for God Almighty  any more.      With plenty of food  and “stuff”,  they easily forsook God,  totally forgetting  that God  is the One  who had created them.      We can’t breathe  without God allowing it.      But that reality  doesn’t even  enter our minds  when we imagine  we’re independent  and able  to do all things  on our own — our way.

We can’t even  save ourselves.      We are to be pitied  in our weaknesses.

Anyone  who wants to live  in eternal glory  ( as opposed to  eternal damnation ),  needs to realize  they are helpless sinners.      None of our mightiest efforts  will come anywhere near  to making us holy enough  to enter heaven.      But,  faith in Jesus Christ alone  cleanses us  of all our sins.      Forgiven sinners  are freely given entry  into heaven.

But,  in our  “fatness”  and  “sleekness”,  we forsake God our Savior,  who made us  and redeems us.      Instead of rejoicing  over our Savior,  born in a humble stable,  people laugh  and rejoice  over Santa Claus — a strange god — and scorn  the Rock  of our salvation,  Jesus Christ.      So,  Moses would say  to us  today,

You neglected  the Rock  who begot you,
And forgot  the God  who gave you birth.

It is sad  to see people  spending more time,  effort,  and money  teaching their children  about Santa Claus  than they spend  teaching their children  about our Savior.      People forget  and scorn God Almighty — neglecting the Lord  who created us  because He’s not as exciting  as Santa  and a ton of presents.      They are even embarrassed  to teach their children  about  Someone like Jesus.      They don’t want  to talk about  sin — and prefer  to build up  a sense of pride  and independence  from God.

Neglect of truth  is sad, with sad results.

Those who praise God  for the glorious gift  of Jesus Christ  say,  “Hallelujah!      Lord,  You are  our Rock  and our Salvation.      Thank You  for the wondrous gift  of forgiveness.”

Love,
Margaret

 

.

A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods

 

Pray for our country.

 

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

 

The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield  to all  who take refuge  in Him.
Psalm 18:30

 

Sing for joy in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming  to the upright.
Psalm 33:1

 

How blessed are those  who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4

 

Just as a father has compassion  on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13

 

Oh give thanks to the LORD,  for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1

 

Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3

 

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12

 

.

.

.

.