SPIRITUAL INTUITION. Numbers 36 Every person's life follows a certain order, whether they believe in Christ or not. However, sometimes situations arise that don't match our usual way of living. How should we adapt to events or circumstances that don't quite "fit the mold" of our normal lifestyle? Parents often influence their children’s actions and beliefs. What is important to parents tends to become important to children as well. Therefore, as parents, we must recognize the value of what we pass on to our family. Not everything of value is material or tangible. Attitudes toward God and others, the importance of integrity and reputation, and sharing life principles are more essential than possessions we might give to our children.
The final chapter of Numbers discusses this issue. The children of Israel were east of the Jordan River, able to see the land that would soon belong to them. Whose land? Who will own what? The heads of families were to receive a specific portion within their tribal lands. Traditionally, the oldest son would inherit the father's land. However, tribal heritage in Israel took precedence over individual family claims when it came to property rights. Protecting these tribal rights was crucial to prevent future confusion and disputes, such as when a daughter's inheritance was passed to her husband of a different tribe. To prevent this, Moses was to relay God's command to the people: if a daughter owned property, she was required to marry a man from her own tribe.
This is a great example of fair treatment for the daughters of Zelophehad. It considers the tribe, its inheritance from God, and its well-being, as well as families that only had daughters. While this book contains many cases of disobedience and stubbornness among the Israelites, this particular instance shows compassion for the women’s situation in the tribes of Israel. At the same time, it preserves tribal integrity to ensure the land God gave to each tribe remains within their control.
Similar instructions are given to believers today when we are told to "be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers." Confusion, chaos, and imbalance occur in families and among God's people in an assembly when those whom God has gathered to the Person and Name of the Lord Jesus Christ attempt to "cross-pollinate" with those who do not share the same convictions about God's truth.
Restrictions were placed on those with a God-given inheritance on tribal lands, affecting their personal lives as well. Important decisions couldn't be based solely on what would please an individual but had to consider how a personal choice might impact others in the tribe.
Legality and fairness are not always the same. Legally, the oldest son was authorized to manage a family inheritance. If a family had only daughters, the inheritance belonged to them. The basis of what was right and fair sometimes allowed for special treatment beyond the strict rules of justice about inheritances. However, fairness also worked in the other direction, in that daughters who received the inheritance were not allowed to marry men from another tribe, even if they were Israelites. To be fair to the entire tribe within the nation, their marriage rights were limited to men of the same tribe so that property rights remained secure and the land assigned to the tribe was protected.
God understands the needs of His people, whether they are widows, orphans, or those who need help. Spiritual intuition and God-given wisdom are essential for leaders of God's people so that reasonable and scriptural solutions can be found for unusual situations that arise among us. Not every problem can be solved with a "snap judgment." Defining a problem clearly and simply often leads to the right solution. Vague and unclear dialogue usually only confuses the issue and results in addressing symptoms rather than the real problem.
While individual rights are important, it is essential to consider how one person's actions within the family impact others in the family unit. Even more crucial is understanding how a family’s actions affect the entire community of God's people gathering in fellowship. A family choosing to leave a place that relies heavily on their participation can cause serious and lasting problems for many. Confusion arises when a person or family moves away from a place where they have had ongoing fellowship and then later returns for personal reasons, without considering how this affects those who stayed behind. In Israel, if there was no son, inheritance rights could extend to a broader group of people, but the inheritance had to stay within the tribe.
Acting independently based on what is important to us, without considering how it affects others, is inconsiderate and shows a lack of spiritual intuition. The inheritance we have from God is very valuable, whether we realize it or not. The confusion and heartbreak caused by breaking up this inheritance are known by God. Our heritage originated from Him and has been passed down through those who followed His divine guidance. We should never treat such a charge as something trivial.
At the end of the book of Numbers, there is a final statement about everything written in the book. This book of rebellion, disobedience, and defiance of God’s grace, concludes with a positive example of divine wisdom given and care for God’s people openly shown. Personal exceptions that we believe should be allowed only weaken and compromise the values and practices that God’s people are supposed to follow.
These are commandments and judgments. Commandments are laws meant to guide us into all truth and should be acted upon. These laws govern our lives in ways that please God. We may have the commandments but choose not to follow them, which is a serious mistake because they are also judgments. Judgments are decisions made based on the commandments and how they should be carried out. A commandment needs to be acted upon, and judgments determine how the command is applied.
In the service and walk of God's people, it is important that we do not create our own laws or ways of carrying out His will. Principles taught in Numbers provided guidance for God's people in the past and continue to do so today, helping us navigate this wilderness world. These lessons are written for our learning and warning. It is wise to rely on God-given spiritual intuition when following His will. The Holy Spirit is always present to lead and guide us through the difficult parts of the journey and to keep us from straying or settling too early when the path is easy.
Far too often in statements, we hear that the words haven’t made things clear at all. “What did he say?” or “What did he mean?” “Did he mean in spring or in fall?” Questions that are left unanswered or not clarified can complicate the actions we take. When I say something, I want others to understand clearly the comments or statements I make. It is important that there be no ambiguity in my words or mere implied thoughts that can be easily misunderstood.
When I am unsure of God’s will or even my brother's will, the best thing to do is return to the source and understand what was really meant rather than complain to someone else. Is it difficult to understand what God means when He says in His word, "Be content with all that you have"? Does that imply it’s wrong to go back to work, or should we save and wisely use the money we have?
The Bible clearly shows that when our thoughts about a matter are aligned with the message here, it should be done with a “Thus saith the Lord." Then, when a question arises, God's word settles the controversy or uncertainty. In my walk with the Lord, I find the answers are close and quite clear when I choose to open God’s word. Doing so helps me see how following His will impacts my decisions. However, with people, it's different. Sometimes what is said can be interpreted in two ways. The same words can have different meanings. The way something is said may be intentionally vague, so if someone changes their mind, they can still imply what they originally said. Clarification is needed when you're unsure of what was meant by a statement. Speak up and clearly express that you are still uncertain about what you've heard.
I can’t truly change anyone except myself. So, I need to take time to think before I speak. Do those listening really understand what I mean? This is especially important when I am preaching God's Gospel. When the truth must be shared, I am required to do so clearly so that listeners know and understand. I will give an account to the Lord in the future for what I say here on earth. Heaven or hell depends on those who come every night to hear what we say. How can I expect them to act on the truth if they are not sure Christ is the only way to heaven and to escape hell?
A well-spoken sentence holds more power than an hour of just words. Repeating a thought often makes it more effective than using many different words and making too many points. I want to be known for saying a truth clearly and in a way that is understood. We communicate through words, expressions, facial and hand movements, and tone of voice. These are used to show love and to make truth clear and simple. When my work is done and my journey ends, I hope someone can say, “I understood what God meant, and from sin, I am saved; he was able to “say it well.’”
“Father, I am still humbled by the fact that I have been allowed to be 'put in trust with the Gospel.” I will be speaking those holy truths again tonight, and I am still a man who needs help saying them well. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”