FEBRUARY 28 DEUTERONOMY 31-34

Deuteronomy 31-34

It’s the last day of February, and we've reached a milestone:  the final chapters of Deuteronomy, as well as the Pentateuch.  

And the chapters themselves are full of “lasts:”

• Moses’ last act as leader of the people: In Chapter 31, Moses summons Joshua and publicly commissions him to step up into his place of leadership. God’s special words for Joshua are, “Be strong and courageous…” We see these words six times here at the end of Moses’ days and the beginning of Joshua’s days. Only God’s strength and courage would make it possible for Joshua to fulfill his calling, or ours either, for that matter. 
• Moses’ last song: God instructs Moses to write it in Deuteronomy 31:19, and we see it in Deuteronomy 32.  Count how many times Moses uses the word “Rock.” Is there any doubt that he knew and knows that that “rock” he struck was the Rock of his salvation? 
• Moses’ last blessing: Each of the tribes (except Simeon—since it was being absorbed into Judah) receive a blessing, the longest and best is reserved for his own tribe of Levi (33:8-11). 
• Moses’ last act: Chapter 34 is the only chapter in Deuteronomy that could not have been written by Moses. In it, we learn that Moses climbed Mt. Nebo to gaze upon the Land of Promise. Then, he died, and was buried by God himself! (Deuteronomy 34:6) 

The very last words of the book praise both Moses and Joshua as the torch is passed.

These were Moses’ “lasts;” what will your look like?

Until March, that is, tomorrow,
Pastor Gary