Consider the Truth Found in God’s Majesty and Give Thanks
My sweet Pastor husband and I chose to binge-watch Heartland. We are not horse people by any means, but we now have this odd fascination. In addition, we entertain ourselves by acting as if we know what we are talking about when it comes to ranching and training horses.
As I’ve watched the show, I’ve noticed help often comes riding on a fast horse. However, I don’t live in the old West, nor do I live on a ranch in Canada! I imagine help should come in a fast car, or perhaps swooping in the from the air like Ironman.
God to the Rescue
“There is none like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to your aid, the clouds in His majesty.”
Deuteronomy 33:26, CSB
I came across the above verse as I sat on my back patio early one morning. As the sun rose, I was captured by the visual of God riding across the sky to assist me as I began my day. In my imagination, I saw Biblical Glory and Heartland horses combining together in wondrous majesty.
Studying the Passage
I learned a handful of things when I researched the verse. Several commentary authors connected the verse to the pillar of cloud that led the Israelites in the wilderness. They wrote about power, authority, and protection.
In addition, I learned the Canaanite God Baal was often described as riding on the clouds. The commentary author of the Faith Life Study Bible asserted God, not Baal, brings rain and fertility to the land since He is the one coming on the clouds.
Considering the Context
I took time to look at the context. Moses is preparing to die and he’s getting all his ducks in a row. In Deuteronomy 32, we read the Song of Moses. Moses basically tells the Israelites what will happen if they mess up, and what will happen if they obey. Then, he assures them, they will mess up.
In Deuteronomy 33, before verse 26, Moses blesses each tribe. He knows them well, he’s aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and he truly wants the best for all of them. In Deuteronomy 33:26 through 29, Moses reminds the Israelites who God is. He is the One who is able, nothing can hinder Him, He rides above it all. God is the master of everything and when He shows up, He shows up in Majesty.
The idea of God riding on the clouds to rescue His children is tucked deep inside the whole story of a compassionate God delivering His people. I imagine the Israelites drew upon the memory of God bringing plaques to the Egyptians, parting the Red Sea, as well as providing daily manna and water from a rock. Perhaps they recalled how God fought battles for them and defeated their enemies while they traveled.
Contemplating the Passage
I watched the sunrise as I contemplated the verse that morning. Before I saw the sun, God painted the sky with a variety of colors. I didn’t experience dark and then immediate light. Instead, I viewed the light slowly traveling across the sky. As the light moved, I witnessed the colors spread and the sky became a more beautiful shade of blue. I was entranced by the wonder and beauty of what I saw.
God reminded me I often think He should fix circumstances immediately. I know He can, and so I expect Him to come galloping in to save the day, just like they do on Heartland. Even though God has a clear path, since He’s riding on the clouds above all the fray, He still sets the pace that is best. He may travel at a speed we perceive to be slow. However, His arrival is always right on time and beautiful to behold.
Applying Truth from the Spirit
As we fully engage in Thanksgiving this year, will you please remind yourself the truth about God? He is majestic, the Only God, and He is unhindered. Almighty God rides the clouds to rescue us. He is the One with all the power, and His timing is always perfect.
Don’t allow your expectations and personal definition of good block your view of how God is moving. He is for us, and He provides for us. Just as the sun rises every morning, so His mercies are new every morning. Plus, He produces a view that is breathtaking. Frame your giving of thanks this year with the truth that God “rides the heavens to your aid, the clouds in his majesty.”
Horse-rider Photo by Furkan Elveren on Unsplash
