We complete our reading of Deuteronomy this week. Take time to consider the As You Read resource and the blog for these chapters to help you understand some of this ancient text.
And always be alert to refrains from the Hebrew Scriptures that show up again centuries later in the Scriptures written by Christian theologians. Remember how central this story of Israel was to the New Testament writers as they re-read their own Bible and re-interpreted it in light of the Christ event.
For example, do you recognize some of these words from Deuteronomy 30?
Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, “Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?” Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, “Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?” No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe...
I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live…
(Hint: Paul referred to this passage when he was discussing the role of Israel in God’s continuing covenant. Read Romans 10 to see the context.)
You are doing great. Keep it up!
As You Read resource: Deuteronomy
https://livinginthestory.com/2017/04/as-you-read-weeks-18-and-19/
Living in The Story blog for Week 19
https://livinginthestory.com/2015/03/warnings-and-blessings/
