Jeshurun Waxed Fat and Kicked
A. THIS SONG OF MOSES WAS COMPOSED AND TAUGHT TO THE CHILDREN OF
ISRAEL BY GOD'S COMMAND( Deut. 31: 14-19 ).
B. CONTRASTS UNCHANGEABLE FIDELITY OF JEHOVAH WITH THE
FAITHLESSNESS OF ISRAEL.
1. It describes the future of Israel spoken by the prophetic testimony of Moses .
2. Written as witness against the ungrateful recipients of God's blessings( vs.29 ).
A. GOD FOUND THEM IN A PERISHING CONDITION( vs. 10 ).
1. His great love prompted him to surround them in Egypt( Josh. 24:5-7 ).
2. Kept them as "the apple of His eye" ( Prov. 7:2; Psa. 17:6-8 ).
B. HE BORE THEM UP FROM EGYPT ON HIS WINGS( vs. 11; Ex. 19:4 ).
C. GOD BORE THEM UP WITH NO HELP FROM THEM( vs.12; Josh. 24:8-12 ).
D. HE BLESSED THEM RICHLY IN THE LAND( vs. 13-14; Josh. 24:13 ).
1. These figures show God's great care for his people.
2. All was provided, no reason to rebel( Isa. 5:1-2 ).
A. JESHURUN,
1. upright; a symbolic name for Israel: 4 times in the O T.
2. Strongest irony here. Their name meant righteousness , but their condition
was destitute of it .
B. WAXED FAT AND KICKED."
1. Allusion to an ox grown fat through good feeding and which had become
un-manageable( Deut. 6:10-12 ; 8:10 ; 31:20 ).
2. Men repay God's prosperity by "kicking" ... rebelling.
Luther : "A full stomach does not promote piety , for it stands secure , and
neglects God."
George Horne: "Prosperity too often has the same effect on its possessor ,
that a calm sea has on a Dutch Mariner , who frequently , it is said ,in these
circumstances ties up the rudder , gets drunk , and goes to sleep."
Talmage: "Prosperity is like salt water , the more you drink the thirstier you
get."( Ecc. 5:10-12 ).
C. FORSOOK GOD AND LIGHTLY ESTEEMED THE ROCK OF THEIR SALVATION.
1. No acknowledgment or appreciation( Rom. 1:21 ).
2. Moved Him to jealousy with strange gods and provoked Him with abominations
( vs. 16, 20-21; Rom. 1:22-23 ).
A. HE REFUSED TO CONTINUE DELIVERING THEM( vs. 20; Isa. 59:1-2 ).
B. HE CEASED GUIDING THEM( Judges 17:6; Rom. 1:24-28 ).
C. HE CAST THEM AWAY AND TOOK ANOTHER( vs. 21; Matt. 21:42-44 ).
A. WE HAVE A HOLY NAME, CHRISTIAN( 1 Pet. 4:16 ).
B. WE HAVE WAXED FAT UNDER GOD'S BLESSING.
1. Spiritual blessing of Salvation, Hope, Fellowship, his word
( James 4:17-18; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3, 11; John 3:16 ).
2. Material blessings un-namable( 1 Tim. 6:17; Matt. 6:33 ).
{Abundant employment; Manifold conveniences , labor-saving devices,
Beautiful houses, Money, Friendships, More food than we can eat.}
3. A strong congregation built on the Rock of the gospel( 1 Cor. 2:2; 3:11 ).
a. Some of you weren't here when the battles were fought and the work
was being done.
b. You eat at a table others have spread. Appreciated it!
C. ARE WE THANKFUL?( Col. 3:17 ). OR DO WE KICK?
D. THE DREAD OF WEALTH( Rev. 2:2-4; 3:1-2; 3:15-17 ).
1. Perceived wealth, unfinished works, loss of zeal in spite of doctrinal strength.
2. Where are we? Where can we go?
A. FOR ISRAEL THERE IS HOPE( vs. 36, 39-43 ).
B. AND FOR HIS PEOPLE TODAY( Rev. 3:18-20 ).
C. ANOTHER WAY OF SAYING TO US, "GET A CLUE."
A. WE HAVE WAXED FAT AT THE LORD'S TABLE.
B. LET'S NOT KICK LIKE THE SPOILED OX.
James Dunigan
