Highlights In Today's Reading:
The daughters of Zelophehad wisely understood the significance of God's inheritance. Did you note the rule of inheritance (36:7)? In striking contrast, Esau sold (gave away) his birthright (Genesis 25:32-34) and later we read that God said: Esau I have hated (Malachi 1:3; Romans 9:13).
Five of the daughters of Zelophehad . . . of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph. . . . stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the Tabernacle (Numbers 27:1-2), awaiting a decision concerning their tribal territory after they married. Moses brought their cause before the LORD (27:5). The Lord declared through Moses: Let them marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry. . . . for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers (36:6-7).
Although they had the legal right to marry anyone, they were to consider the great responsibility that rested on their actions. To marry someone from another tribe would permanently forfeit their father's inheritance. The decision involved an important principle of denying one's own personal satisfaction and thus remaining faithful to fulfilling the will of God. Even as the LORD commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad (36:10).
No one should overlook how perfectly the request of the five daughters of Zelophehad corresponds to our relationship with Christ. Often we are faced with a personal choice that is not sinful but which can cause us to compromise and relinquish or diminish our spiritual opportunities.
In contrast, no one who remains true to Christ ever forfeits the best in life. A commitment to God's Word preserves and enhances, rather than hinders, the enjoyment of one's life. Our enemy Satan often appears as an angel of light (II Corinthians 11:14), subtly planting thoughts for us to yield just once, so that he can gain a foothold, whereby, he gradually can take control of our lives.
The Book of Hebrews offers the warning of God: Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation (testing) in the wilderness. . . . Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing (turning away) from the living God (Hebrews 3:8,12-13; also Psalm 95:8).
Thought for Today:
Submitting to God's will for our lives, even the right spouse, brings benefits in this life and hereafter.
Christ Revealed:
As the inheritance of the children of Israel (Numbers 36:7). While they were given an inheritance of the land that will pass away, we have been given a greater inheritance, one that will not pass away. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten (through spiritual birth) us again to a lively (living) hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible (imperishable), and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you (I Peter 1:3-4).
Word Studies:
36:4 jubilee =b> refers to every fiftieth year jubilee, when all debts were canceled (Leviticus 25:10-12,28).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Government Official: Rep. Bart Stupak (MI) • Country: Egypt (66 million) in northeastern Africa • Major languages: Arabic and English • Christians are not permitted to evangelize Muslims • 87.5% Muslim; 12% Christian; .5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Glory in the Lord. He is Victor over Satan (Zechariah 3:2).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:6