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OT: The last chapter of Numbers emphasises the importance of the inheritance – for us, this is no longer about land but about taking hold of the spiritual inheritance of our salvation. As you start the book of Deuteronomy, look out for:

• The importance of reviewing our pilgrimage.
• Moses recalls the appointing of leaders to share the load and as he recalls the failure of the 10 scouts to have faith when they spied out the land, it is significant that it was one of the men of faith, Joshua, who is appointed to replace Moses as leader.
• Much of the next few chapters, and of Deuteronomy generally, is about the importance of obeying God as he leads them into the land.
• They are reminded first of what God has done for them, and of how he spoke from the fire on the mountain. They must live by his every word as they enter into the land and drive out the enemies.
• The picture of the blessings and victory in the land are a picture of what we can enjoy of our salvation as we continue in faith and obedience.
• The main thing God warns them against is idolatry – worshipping foreign gods. God also makes provisions for the poor in the land.

NT: Jesus gives his clearest warnings against the religious leaders at the beginning of this week’s readings. He has more praise for the unknown, poor widow who gives all she has out of her poverty! You could also note in your reading: 

• He is also unimpressed with the physical temple, prophesying its destruction. He goes on to speak of other signs of the end as they are often called. It is clear that some of what he is speaking about concerns the destruction of the Jewish temple in history (AD70) but other parts are about the actual end of time.
• There are multiple fulfillments of these prophecies of wars and earthquakes, false Messiahs and prophets, persecutions etc. but we are to see them as opportunities to testify and believe that the Holy Spirit will help us rather than to worry or be afraid. 
• As we don’t know the actual time of the end, the important thing is to stay alert, as the parable of the house- owner illustrates.
• Once again we have an account of the betrayal of Jesus,  Peter’s denial of him, his trial and his crucifixion.

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