After the plague the Lord said to Moses and Eleazar
son of Aaron, the priest, “Take a census of the whole Israelite
community by families—all those twenty years old or more who are able to serve
in the army of Israel.” So on the plains of Moab by the Jordan
across from Jericho, Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them and
said, “Take a census of the men twenty years old or more, as
the Lord commanded Moses.” These were the Israelites who came out of
Egypt. (Numbers 26:1-4)
The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides
women and children. (Matthew 14:21)
The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women
and children. (Matthew 15:38)
In yesterday’s sermon, Pastor Joy spoke primarily from Numbers chapter 27. For today, let us
consider some background information.
Our pastor shared that the faith-stance of the five daughters of
Zelophehad was expressed in a context where women were not even counted as part
of the population. From ancient Israel through the time of Christ, women were
not included in census reporting. Even the accounts of the feeding of the 5000
and the 4000 show adherence to the age-old protocol: the narratives in Matthew
14 and 15 and John 6 indicate a count of only the men.
In the New Testament narrative, though, we have encouragement: not everyone was counted, but
everyone was fed. This is the
face and nature of the Christian walk! Our Lord invites all people to come to
Him for sustenance.
In his sermon on May 4th Pastor Sam referenced Joel 2 and Acts 2
(“your sons and your daughters shall prophesy”), and God has echoed the theme
again through Pastor Joy’s reflections on Numbers 27. Let us take heed. God provides His inheritance to men
and women. Will you, by
faith, joyfully receive what He has made available for you?
God has taken a head-count… and you are on His roster. Be encouraged.
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