Welcome, I hope you are enjoying learning more about God through this blog space.
Today we read Numbers 27-29.
Women in scripture
Many people have claimed the Bible is misogynistic. While there was a heavy emphasis upon men throughout scripture, it was based on a nation’s ability to defend itself. When they did a census, they counted the men. This told them how large of an army they could draw on if needed.
Here in Numbers 27, we see God intends for women to have rights as well. Our society needed to go through some rough years of oppression before suffragette movements allowed women the rights to vote.
Biblical kings and leaders centered many of their decisions on battles. There were also decisions within a family. Men are to be the spiritual head of our households (see Eph 5:22-23)
There is also the clear direction within the church that men should not allow a woman to lead them. (see 1 Tim 2:12).
But Jesus included many women in His ministry, and in Numbers 27, we read how God answers Moses and affirms that if there were no sons, then daughters deserved the full inheritance.
Consequences of sin
Remember that everyone likes to take what God provides, but will go too far until it becomes sin. We know Moses sinned when he struck the rock for water in the Desert of Zin. Sin has consequences even for the one chosen by God. Moses may not enter the land he is taking them to.
It would be up to Joshua to finish taking them into that promised land.
How would you respond if God told you, “after years of serving me, I want you to come up to a mountain to see the land that you will not enter because on the mountain you will die?”
Would you walk to the mountain top slowly? Kicking the stones as you prodded along. Or would you sprint to the top knowing that the end would be entering the kingdom of heaven?
Guided by the Light
In 27:21, we are told that Joshua will need to stand before the priest who will inquire of the Urim. The meaning of the word Urim is light.
Today, for the believer, we can go boldly to the Light. Jesus is the Light of the world. (see John 8:12)
At the command of the Urim, Joshua would lead the people or Israel into and out of the land. Jesus will lead us when we submit ourselves to Him.
When we are not seeking the Light, we walk in darkness.
Chapters 28-29 get very repetitious about the offerings and festivals they were to keep. That can cause these verses to be overlooked.
We should overlook no part of scripture. Instead, we must ask why is God making this point again and again. The answer is, because it is important to God that we have reverence for Him and follow instructions.
He never intended for us to figure out whatever works for us. He gave us precise instructions on how to live in His presence.
Valuing work
In chapter 29, the last sentence of verse 7 caught me. “You must deny yourselves and do no work.” (NIV)
When we approach a holiday, our reaction is – we don’t have to work. As if it is a reward not to have to labor.
We should correct this modern mindset. It is evidence of a declining work ethic.
Work is a reward. God gives us all jobs to do. He could have just given us all houses and tables overflowing with food and drink.
Instead, He gives us labor to do and demands we sacrifice food and drink to Him.
We have become so self-centered we miss the point. The work God entrusts us to do is a blessing. Rejoice in the work. I feel blessed by God’s generosity in giving us such abilities.
