SCRIPTURE: Numbers 36
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, ‘What do you want?’ or ‘Why are you talking with her?’” [John 4:27]
We see in Jesus, Who embodies the heart and love of God, a different way of relating to women and children.
We see in today’s reading – despite the patriarchal shape of the Law of Moses – God shows His concern for women and children in the Law in a way that the other cultures and religions did not.
God’s concern extend to Zelophedad’s daughters.
The way the Law was written through Moses, they would not receive an inheritance.
But when they petition Moses for compassion and justice, God vindicates their claim and commands Moses to accommodate their concern.
Throughout history, religion and culture – shaped by the curse of sin – have oppressed women and children.
But this is not God’s plan from the beginning, nor is it the way of His heart.
Compare how Jesus treated women with how the religious leaders did, even with how His disciples reacted here – “talking with a woman!!!”
The same comparison could be made with the neighbouring nations, and Israel.
How women and children were to be treated in Israel was far superior to what was happening in the neighbouring nations.
These daughters of Zelophedad at least had a voice, and a hope of being heard.
This ought to be true for us as Jesus followers.
We ought to be known as a people who are concerned for those that society rejects or ignores.
Just as Jesus modelled grace for tax collectors, prostitutes and lepers, we ought to model grace to today’s oppressed, neglected or rejected – even those who are guilty of crimes.
Justice and mercy, these are the very qualities in God demonstrated here in this passage, modelled by Jesus in His treatment of others, and especially shown in His suffering and death for us – undeserving sinners.
No doubt Satan is surprised that Jesus is “talking with” us, and not just talking, but dying for and rescuing us.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for showing mercy to Zelophedad’s daughters, and to me. Thank You for not treating us like the world does.
A later start this morning – Labour Day – a holiday 🙂 but not from the Word.
Two thoughts came from today’s reading.
The towns of the levites were throughout the land while the tabernacle was in but once place. The Levites were among the people doing His service among the people. They were to be beacons of His Light among the people and a visual reminder of His presence in their daily living.
The second thought was the cities of refuge. The focus I believe came at the end of the passage – I the Lord dwell among the Israelites. The land was God’s country and do not defile it. Keep it pure. Work as a steward in His vineyard. It is all for Him. The cities of refuge was for all peoples in the land. And God is our Refuge and Strength. He dwelt among His people and He gives His people strength – not only then, but also today.
A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
Our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our strength confide,
our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabbaoth, His Name,
from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.