SCRIPTURE: Numbers 27
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
We serve a compassionate God. Jesus, Who shows us what God is like, embodies the love and mercy of God. He is concerned for everyone, no matter what their background, story, race, sin, gender, age, etc. He sees the whole mass of the human race as sheep needing a shepherd – “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” [Matthew 9:36-38].
The daughters of Zelophedad find out that God will provide for them, and for all women in need. In that culture and time, the inheritance was passed on through the first-born son, and he provided for the rest of the family. But if there was no son (no shepherd, i.e. caregiver), how would the daughters and servants survive? In response to their request (asking the Lord of the harvest, i.e. the source of blessing), He provides them an inheritance.
Moses also asks the “Lord of the harvest” for another worker to provide a shepherd for the sheep [Numbers 27:15-17]. And the Lord provides Joshua. He is commissioned with Moses’ authority to carry on the work. This parallels with what follows in Matthew 9, where Jesus appoints the twelve disciples to carry on His mission. And they receive of His authority to heal the sick and cast out demons. Today, we are the extension of Jesus’ ministry and authority. Anointed and empowered by the Spirit, we carry on what He has begun, leading people to the Good Shepherd, to find their blessing (eternal inheritance) in Him.
This is the good news. Our God is good, our God is compassionate. He cares about the weak, the needy, the second-class citizens, the excluded, the forgotten. He has provided for the blessing of all, and we are His messengers, getting this message out. We carry on what Jesus has begun. If we are doing what the Lord calls us to do, then this world is not like sheep without a shepherd. There is a Good Shepherd, and we are servants of the Good Shepherd. And we share in His anointing, His authority, His power.
Let’s get the message out there. Let’s demonstrate the Lord’s compassion, and lets tell people about it (in that order).
PRAYER:
Lord, Your compassion is what has changed and blessed me. Help me to show it and share it with others, to carry on Your work!
Parent’s desire for their childeren is that they too walk in the ways of the Lord. The ‘girls’ here asked for their inheritance as part of the family. No greater joy can be found than this, that they too want to be included in the family of God. Knock and the door shall be opened, says the Lord our God and it certainly was.
God is good. God shows Moses that the work will continue. What a mighty God we serve. What a gracious God we serve. What a faithful God we serve. His kingdom is forever and His will will come to pass. Grace and truth will mark the Way. God will lead. And I need to let God be in control. He leads and I will follow. His way is the right way.
Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead,
If His Word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.
For Thy Name’s sake hear Thou me,
For Thy mercy, Lord, I wait;
Pardon my iniquity,
For my sin is very great.
He who walks in godly fear
In the path of truth shall go;
Peace shall be his portion here,
And his sons all good shall know.
They that fear and love the Lord
Shall His holy friendship know;
He will grace to them accord,
And His faithful covenant show.