You are already on to your third week in March in your Bible through the year readings. Well done! This week we come to the end of Numbers and start on Deuteronomy in the Old Testament. This book is mainly about Moses reviewing the journey of the Israelites so far – to the edge of the promised land. He reminds them of the importance of faith and obedience to God. In the New Testament, we are coming to the end of Mark’s gospel where Jesus prophesies some enigmatic things about the end times, and there is an account of his arrest and crucifixion. I pray you are moved and inspired in following the way of Jesus as you read this week.

Week 3: 12 – 18 March

OT – Numbers 36-Deuteronomy 15

The last chapter of Numbers emphasizes 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 we start Deuteronomy, we see the importance of reviewing our pilgrimage. Moses recalls the appointing of a leader 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.

Mar. 12: Num 36; Deut 1; Mar. 13: Deut 2-4:31; Mar. 14: Deut 4:32-5:33; Mar. 15: Deut 6-8; Mar. 16: Deut 9-10; Mar. 17: Deut 11-13; Mar. 18: Deut 14-15.

You can find a Book Background to Deuteronomy here.

NT – Mark 12:35-15:32

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! He is also unimpressed with the outward 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 is about 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. 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.

Mar 12: Mark 12:35-13:13; Mar 13: Mark 13:14-27; Mar 14: Mark 13:28-14:9; Mar 15: Mark 14:10-31; Mar 16: Mark 14:32-52; Mar 17: Mark 14:53-72; Mar 18: Mark 15:1-32.

In case another weekly reminder does not come, this a link to the Week 4 readings in March.