The God of Israel
Moses stands before us in Scripture as a man worthy of deep reflection. The Word of God declares that by faith he refused to be identified as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing instead to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin. He esteemed the reproach of Christ as greater riches than all the treasures of Egypt. Here was a man who saw beyond the present world and laid hold of eternal realities.
Yet Moses was not without burden. He was called to stand as mediator between a holy God and a stubborn, rebellious people. Though he was granted the extraordinary privilege of standing in the presence of God in a way few had ever known, he remained a man utterly dependent upon divine grace. His strength was not in himself, but in the God whom he served.
In the verse before us, this aged servant of the Lord—now seasoned with wisdom and experience— looks back over the years in which he led Israel. He warned the rising generation of the failures and unbelief of those who came before them. He charged them to obey all that was written in the Law, that they might live and prosper in the land the Lord was giving them. He spoke of God’s Word not as mere instruction, but as life itself, declaring, “Indeed, it is your life.”
Now the moment of departure had come. As Moses prepared to ascend Mount Nebo, to the summit of Pisgah, he turned his gaze one final time upon the people he loved. With a heart full of conviction and affection, he spoke these words: “There is none like the God of Jeshurun (Israel), who rides the heavens to your help, and through the skies in His majesty.” What a testimony from a man who had walked with God through trials, wilderness, and countless displays of divine power. After all he had seen, this was his conclusion—there is none like Him.
Perhaps today there are those who read these words with hearts weighed down by sorrow. Your cheeks are stained with tears because of a rebellious child. You have prayed again and again, and it seems as though heaven is silent. Hope feels distant. But hear this, beloved of God: hold fast. Do not allow the enemy to steal your joy. The God of Israel, who rides the heavens, sees every tear you have shed. His sovereign purposes cannot be hindered. He hears your prayers, even when the answers seem delayed. His perfect plan for your child will unfold according to His will. Remember, the purposes of God were established in eternity through Jesus Christ. Rest, then, in His everlasting arms. Your anxiety cannot alter your circumstances, but your tears have not been overlooked. The Almighty has seen them all, and in His time, He will turn them into joy.
There may also be those who read this while carrying the heavy grief of loss. You have been bereaved of someone dear to you, and the ache in your soul feels unbearable. Time seems to have slowed, and each day is a struggle to endure. You may find yourself asking, “How will I make it through this season?” Dear soul, take refuge in Christ. God is faithful. Lean upon His everlasting arms, for He is a shelter for the brokenhearted. Even time itself is a gift from God, a means by which He gently ministers to His children. The sharpness of your pain will not always remain as it is now. In days to come, it will be softened—transformed into treasured memories and reflections marked by both sorrow and sweetness.
These are but a few examples of the trials God’s people face in this fallen world. There is much suffering on this side of eternity. The world lies in wickedness, and we must walk through it. Yet we are not without hope. Our eyes are fixed upon a city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. We look to Jesus Christ, who has conquered death itself. The Scriptures declare that He was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.
Let me leave you with one final word of encouragement, brothers and sisters in Christ. Take heart. Though you are surrounded by suffering for a season, you have not been abandoned. God is with you, even in the fiercest storm. He has not turned His face away from you. The Scriptures assure us, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” And again, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.” He does not stand distant from your suffering, but walks with you through every valley and every trial.
Though this present season may seem more than you can bear, the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens, will come to your aid. He gives strength in times of great weakness. Remember the promise: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Therefore, fix your eyes upon heaven and prepare your heart for the day of salvation. For one day, the veil that separates heaven and earth will be removed, and our Majestic Savior will appear in all His glory. Jesus will come for His people. Do not forget His promises—they are certain and true: “If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”
“There is none like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to your help, and through the skies in His majesty.” Deuteronomy 33:26 (NASB 1995)