Daughters of Zelophehad

When you accept Christ, you become the beneficiary of more than forgiveness for your sins; you become the recipient of the inheritance that should been reserved only for Christ.

When they apportioned the Promised Land, only fathers and sons received an inheritance – until the daughters of Zelophehad stepped forward.

Today’s Text: “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You shall give them possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers and transfer the inheritance of their father to them’” (Numbers 27:6–7, ESV).

Zelophehad died in the wilderness and, if all had proceeded as normal, his daughters would have received no inheritance. But Zelophehad’s daughters boldly appealed their case to Moses who then inquired of the Lord. The Lord declared that the daughters were right – they should receive a portion of land.

It’s a story of five women whose ancestors were slaves and who were, by every natural thought, not in position to receive an inheritance. However, through a deep stirring of faith, they believed that God would want to bless them alongside everyone else. They did not merit the inheritance by skill or accomplishment. But they had faith that they could become heirs even though they did not stand in line to receive the blessing by existing laws and traditions.

It’s every Christian’s story.

We are the ones who deserved no inheritance and could only receive the blessing of God by His sovereign grace. The daughters of Zelophehad appealed to their mediator, Moses. But we have a greater Mediator. Through Christ, and Christ alone, we make our appeal to God for a share in the Son’s inheritance.

Through the finished work of Christ, any orphan can become an heir. You have gained God as your Father. You have gained Christ as your brother. You have been declared the legal recipient of the spiritual riches of the Lord of the universe.

If the daughters of Zelophehad dared claim an inheritance through their mediator, how much more shall we dare to claim ours in Christ! You’re the heir of God. You can claim it. You can count on it. And that’s the Gospel!