One day a petition was presented by the daughters of Zelophehad— [Numbers 27.1a]
As I read today's OYCB reading, I found myself at a loss for finding Jesus in the content of the day's reading. The daughters of Zelophehad, then Joshua's commission, and then all the offerings defined make for a shallow pool from which to try to find Jesus!
But then, I re-read the part about Zelophehad's daughters! Culturally speaking, these women most likely took a big chance. Everyone at that time and culture knew that giving birth to males secured the family name. The daughters of Zelophehad (who had no sons) questioned what had become a deeply-rooted tradition and culture - that males carried the family name and heritage.
God's response to the request (after Moses passed it on to Him) was in agreement and therefore favor of the daughters' reasoning - that the inheritance should not be lost just because there were no males to carry the name. Herein is Jesus shown clearly to us all!
Everything about the Law pretty much renders mankind disqualified for God's inheritance just like the daughters' gender rendered them disqualified from receiving the family land. Unmerited grace was given to the daughters so that they might receive the inheritance that, culturally speaking, they did not deserve. That picture of grace - making a way to pass on an inheritance in spite of qualification - is indeed a pointer to Christ!
Father, I am once again grateful that You have allowed me to see a picture of Jesus in this OT story. Please help me to continue to seek and find Jesus every day!
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