The daughters of Zelophehad teach us that we have to be willing to do something about it. Muttering and complaining to yourself doesn’t change anything, it just makes you more miserable. With millions of people entering the Promised Land, other women were in their predicament. But nothing changed until these five women got proactive. That took courage. Going before Moses was like appealing to the High Court. Solutions are found when you decide to face your problems head-on and do something about them.
But you’ve got to be clear too. What do you want to happen, or stop happening? When you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there – you’ve got to have a clear purpose. These women thought they were entitled to the same blessing as the male members of their family, and they wouldn’t settle for less. So, God gave it to them. And He’ll do the same for you, when you’re in line with His heart. He’s about the social reformer, the activist, who speaks with His heart. He changes things through them, not just by moving all the pieces Himself and letting us sit back. So. Refuse to be thrown off by opinions, policies, and traditions. Under the law of Moses women weren’t even numbered as part of the congregation (Numbers 26). Can you imagine the shape the church would be in if we still lived by that policy today? There are loads of places in Scripture where God altered ‘the norm’ in response to bold faith, changing the destiny of those individuals – and whole communities. And what He did for them, He’ll do with – and for – you.
What now?
If you’re bothered by something that’s corrupt or that hurts others in your society or church, try to boil it down to the bare facts – not anger, or emotions. That’ll help when you come to present the idea to others.
