EmmDev 2024-10-30 [Stronger Together] Standing Together in God's Power

Standing Together in God's Power

How could one man chase a thousand, or two put ten thousand to fight, unless the Rock had sold them, unless the Lord had given them up? (Deuteronomy32:30)

There are two songs of Moses in the Old Testament. The first is a song of victory after God brought them through the Red Sea and defeated Pharaoh's army. The second song comes from the end of Moses' life and is both a warning and a call to remembrance, highlighting God's faithfulness, Israel's frequent disobedience, and the consequences of turning away from Him. Our reading comes from this second song. Moses addresses his song to Israel as a nation and warns them that disobedience to God will result in God handing them over to their enemies.

As Christians, we have at our disposal divine strength from God's power. God's power is available to us as a result of unity and reliance on God. Standing together in God's power emphasises the importance of unity and reliance on God, especially during challenges. The question raised in the scripture we have read underscores the idea that without God's intervention and support, even a large number of people can be overwhelmed by a few of their enemies.

The passage of scripture in Deuteronomy 32:30 is part of the "song of Moses," which serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness for divine protection. God is referred to as "the Rock," meaning that God provides stability and strength. In fact, the imagery of one man chasing a thousand and two chasing ten thousand highlights the power that comes from divine backing. (Sadly, in this case, it is Israel being chased by a few enemies because they have strayed from God, and He has given them up.)

This passage is a sobering reminder that it is only possible to live a Christian life in the power of God. We must realise that it is important to stand together in God. In the book of Joshua, Moses' words were fulfilled when Joshua attacked the small city of Ai, which they should have defeated easily, but instead, the Israelites were utterly defeated. This was because of the sin of Achan, who kept some of Jericho's idols, and because Joshua did not consult God. It is a clear reminder of how important it is to be united and reliant on God.

When we learn to rely wholly on God, our thinking and approach to life are transformed. We no longer live with expectations of defeat or failure; instead, we grow in confidence that, through God's power, we can live victoriously. Living as a Christian is less about what we strive to do for Christ and more about allowing Christ to work through us and being empowered by the Holy Spirit.
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Rev. Dr. Godfrey Msiska, a husband to Muchoke, father to Vitu, Vinu, Vinandi and Viwongo, serving at St. Peter's congregation in Ndola, Zambia and lecturing at Evangelical University.

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