Numbers 27
Zelophehad’s daughters ask for landverses 1-4
Then came the daughters of Zelophehad – the son of
Hepher – Gilead – Machir – Manasseh
of the families of Manaaseh – the son of Joseph
and these are the names of his daughters
Mahlah – Noah – Hoglah – Milcah – Tirzah
And they stood before Moses – and before Eleazar the priest
and before the princes of the congregation
by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation
saying
Our father died in the wilderness – and he was not in the company of them
that gathered themselves together against the LORD in the
company of Korah
BUT died in his own sin and had NO SONS
Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family
because he hath no son? Give to us therefore a possession
among the brethren of our father
Moses took their request to the LORDverse 5
And Moses brought their cause before the LORD
Laws regarding inheritanceverses 6-11
And the LORD spoke to Moses saying
The daughters of Zelophehad speak RIGHT
you shall surely give them a possession of an inheritance
among their father’s brethren
And you shall cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them
And you shall speak to the children of Israel
saying
IF a man die – and have NO SON
THEN you shall cause his inheritance to pass to his daughter
IF he have NO DAUGHTER
THEN you shall give his inheritance to his brethren
IF he have NO BRETHREN
THEN you shall cause his inheritance to pass to his
father’s brethren
IF his father have NO BRETHREN
THEN you shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman
that is next to him of his family
and he shall possess it
and it shall be to the children of Israel a
statute of judgment as the LORD
commanded Moses
LORD give Moses reason regarding his deathverses 12-14
And the LORD said to Moses
Get you up into this mount Abarim
and see the land which I have given to the
children of Israel
And when you have seen it
you also shall be gathered to your people
as Aaron your brother was gathered
FOR you REBELLED against MY commandment in the
desert of Zin – in the strife of the congregation
to sanctify ME at the water before their eyes
that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh
in the wilderness of Zin
Moses asks LORD to give Israel a new leaderverses 15-17
And Moses spoke to the LORD saying
Let the LORD – the God of the spirits of all flesh
set a man over the congregation
which may go out before them
which may go in before them
which may lead them out
which may bring them in
that the congregation of the LORD be not as SHEEP
which have NO SHEPHERD
Moses to appoint Joshua leaderverses 18-21
And the LORD said to Moses
Take you Joshua the son of Nun – a man in whom is the SPIRIT
and lay thine hand on him
And set him before Eleazar the priest
and before all the congregation
and give him a CHARGE in their sight
And you shall put some of your HONOR on him
that all the congregation of the children of Israel
may be OBEDIENT
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest
who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim
before the LORD – at his word shall they go out
and at his word they shall come in both he
and all the children of Israel with him
even all the congregation
Moses commissions Joshua to be leaderverses 22-23
And Moses did as the LORD commanded him – and he took Joshua
and set him before Eleazar the priest
and before all the congregation
and he laid his hands upon him
and gave him a CHARGE
as the LORD commanded by the
hand of Moses
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 7 The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: you shall surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brethren, and you shall cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them. (3651 “right” [ken] means correct, accurate, righteous, honest, certainly, veritable, aptly, upright, well, true, or free from err)
DEVOTION: Here we have a man who only had daughters but they wanted to receive a section of land in the portion given to their tribe. It was because they were women that there was a question that had to be presented to the LORD.
Moses took it to the LORD for a decision. The LORD said that these daughters could be given a section of land to be kept in the family. When they had children, the land could be passed on to them. If there were no children than the next of kin would be able to inherit that piece of property.
God gives a portion of land to every family in a tribe. If there were only daughters born than they would receive the portion to be worked and passed on to future generations. The LORD was an equal opportunity giver. We need to be doing that same in our time period.
When it came to giving property, this was acceptable to the LORD. However, in other matters such as the leadership of the nation it usually went to the men to lead. There are exceptions when the men have not held their proper relationship to the LORD that HE chose a woman to judge Israel or lead Israel in battle.
The LORD wants us to treat women right. We are not to look down on them as second class, citizens. There are times when we need to give woman spots in leadership.
We had a pastor and his wife that were speakers around the country. The wife would say that her husband and the elders of the church gave her permission to speak in front of crowds that included men and women.
Today, we find that some women are not willing to submit to the LORD or anyone else in regard to what they say and do. This is not Biblical. Men have to summit to the LORD and women have to submit to the LORD.
If there is the proper submission than God can bless both men and women in their service to HIM.
CHALLENGE: Do you always go to the LORD regarding what you should do and what you should not do?
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 14 For you rebelled against MY commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify ME at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. (6942 “sanctify” [qadash] means to be holy, removed from common us, to deem to be set apart or sacred, consecrated, to be pure, to be clean, or be dedicated)
DEVOTION: Lord gives reason for the change in leadership over the nation of Israel. The LORD had commanded Moses to speak to the rock and it would produce water. Instead they were angry with the people for their murmuring and stated “must we….”
They didn’t give God credit for the water. They took the credit. They hit the rock instead of speaking to the rock as the LORD commanded. They were disobedient on two counts.
God expects HIS leaders to listen when HE speaks. HE doesn’t need the glory but should always get the glory for what HE does for HIS people. They need to know that all their blessings come from HIM. Also they need to know that if they are disobedient that HE will judge them.
We find that God allowed Moses to lead from that time period until the children of Israel were about to enter the Promised Land. HE allowed Moses to see the Promised Land from a distance but would not allow HIS disobedient leader to enter the Promised Land.
That had to hurt Moses but he knew that the LORD was righteous in HIS judgments. We need to realize the same thing in our lives. Sometimes we want to do something but because of past sin we are not allowed to do it.
However, there are times when the LORD allows even sinners who repent a number of chances to change their direction. HE is a forgiving God and we have to depend on HIS judgment on our life.
CHALLENGE: None of us are sinless. We can sin less because of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our life. We need to listen to HIS voice. HE can help us control our actions, so that, the LORD can use us in the future for HIS glory.
: 16 Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation. (5712 “congregation” [‘edah] means assembly community, flock, gang, a group of people or animals or things collected together, troupe, an appointed meeting, or gathering.)
DEVOTION: Leaders should be willing to leave when the LORD tells them to leave. Here we have Moses informed that he is going to die before he enters the Promised Land. The LORD tells him to go up the mountain to see the Promised Land.
Now Moses knows he is going to die and all he thinks of is the children of Israel not having a leader. He asks the LORD to set a man over the congregation before he dies. He was concerned for the children of Israel. He wanted them to have a good leader before he died.
His concern was that if there was no leader chosen by the LORD, they would pick their own leader and it might not be a good one. He didn’t want the children of Israel being led by someone who thought they were a leader and yet they were not the right one to help them conquer the Promised Land.
Leaders need to think of their people more than themselves. It is hard to do sometimes but that is what the LORD expects of a good leader. The people need to be given the right instructions as they come from the LORD.
Leaders need to listen to the LORD no matter what. If it means standing up for what is right even though they might lose their position, it needs to be done on some occasions.
We need to understand that God knows people better than we do and sometimes we like a person that the LORD says is not right. Moses liked the choice the LORD made for his replacement.
Good leaders are necessary if a mission or church is to move forward for the LORD. The mission here was to move into the Promised Land and possess it as an inheritance from the LORD.
We are promised heaven for eternity. We need men and women who the LORD has chosen to live the life the LORD wants us to live while we are here on this earth to win others to a proper relationship with Jesus Christ.
CHALLENGE: People should be watching their leaders.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 20 And you shall put some of your honor upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. (1935 “honor” [howd] means glory, majesty, vigor, power to give orders, or authority)
DEVOTION: Moses was to see that the people of Israel understood that Joshua was going to be taking his place and that he had the authority to give them orders.
The relationship between Joshua and the LORD would be different because Joshua was to let the high priest use the Urim, to make decisions regarding the movement and actions of the children of Israel.
It is not known exactly how the Urim worked but it seemed to be the use of lots was involved. The LORD would direct the lots in a way that HE wanted the children of Israel to act.
We will see this in action when the lots were cast for who would receive what land in the Promised Land.
Why was this process so necessary for Moses to obey all the commands of the LORD? It was the children of Israel had to realize that they had to obey the commands of Joshua because they were coming from the LORD who was the ONE who directed Moses in his actions.
In leadership there should always be a good transfer of authority. There should be a willingness of a leader to step down when the LORD tells him to and a willingness to accept the next leader the LORD sends to take his place.
The transfer of leadership can make all the difference in the world to the members of a mission or a church. If they see that the leader, they have followed for many years is willing to allow the next leader to step forward it gives them confidence that there is a good transition and that the ministry will follow the LORD.
Fighting over leadership positions always affects a ministry. The LORD didn’t want there to be any doubt as to who HE picked to lead the children of Israel and HE desires the same today in our Christian organizations.
CHALLENGE: Transition is never easy but it can be done through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in those who select a new leader.
: 23 And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses. (6680 “charge” [tsavah] means to constitute, to enjoin, appoint, send a messenger, or set in order)
DEVOTION: What would you do if you were a CEO of a large company and the chairman of the board came to you and told you that you were going to be gone in a few days? What should you do? How would you act for the next few days?
God had asked Moses to serve HIM faithfully. Moses served the LORD in the wilderness faithfully. Moses was disappointed with the children of Israel. Moses was angry with the children of Israel on many occasions. On one occasion God told Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water. Moses struck the rock instead because of his anger. He also made the comment that he and Aaron had to bring the people water. He didn’t give God the glory. When he struck the rock twice, he was told that he would not go into the Promised Land.
Now the time has come for Moses to go into the mount to see the Promised Land but not enter into it. However, the first thing that Moses did when he knew he was going to be taken into the mount to die was to ask the LORD for a good replacement for the people. He was concerned for the children of Israel. He wanted them to have a good leader. He didn’t want them to wander as a people with no leadership. That would be like having sheep with no shepherd.
Moses prays for a new leader for Israel. God tells him that Joshua is full of the Holy Spirit and was to be the next leader. God tells him that the priest would help Joshua with knowing the will of God for the people. Here we find Moses turning over the leadership of the nation to Joshua.
Joshua was appointed to be the leader in the Promised Land. Moses laid his hands on him and set things in order for the transition of leadership. Moses placed some honor on Joshua, so that, the children of Israel would be obedient to the LORD. This laying on of hands showed the people that Moses had appointed a new leader.
We need to do the same in our churches. When there is a change in leadership, it should be a time of pleasure rather than a time of pain. Can this happen in our churches? Some leaders can only take us so far and then it is time for new leadership. God is in control. Sometimes there is a group of people who think that they are in control of the church. If the membership is not following a Biblical leader than the church will not move forward for the LORD. If the leader is not be led by the Holy Spirit, he will lead the church in the wrong direction. The balance is hard between membership and leadership working together.
CHALLENGE: Be willing to allow the LORD to give direction regarding leadership in your local body. Make a change a good change. As Moses was concerned with good leadership for his sheep, we should be concerned about good leadership for all of our Biblical churches.
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Moses brings cause to the LORDverse 5
Moses prayed for a new shepherd for Israelverses 15-17
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
Door of the Tabernacle of the congregationverse 2
Judgment of the Urimverse 21
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
Statute of judgmentverses 7-11
Commandmentverse 14
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
LORD (Jehovah)verses 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, 15-18, 21-23
God (Elohim)verse 16
God of the spirits of all fleshverse 16
Congregation of the LORDverse 17
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead – God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Spiritverse 18
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Mount Abarimverse 12
Desert of Zinverse 14
Waters of Meribah in Kadeshverse 14
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Rebellionverse 3
Sinverse 3
Rebelledverse 14
Strife of the congregationverse 14
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Inheritanceverses 4, 7
Sanctifyverse 14
Lay hands on leader: Joshuaverses 18, 23
Chargeverses 19, 23
Honorverse 20
Obedientverse 20
Counselverse 21
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Daughters of Zelophehadverses 1-11
Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah
Milcah and Tirzah
Mosesverses 2, 5, 6, 11-23
Go up Mount Abarim to see
Promised land
Rebelled
Eleazar the priestverses 2, 19, 21, 22
Princesverse 2
All the congregation verse 2
Company of Korahverse 3
Possession of land to daughtersverses 4, 8
Cause before the LORDverse 5
Inheritance to kinsmanverses 6-11
Daughters inherit if no sonverses 7, 8
Children of Israelverses 8, 11, 20, 21
Moses to see Promised Landverse 12
Aaronverse 13
Congregation of the LORD verses 16, 17, 19
Appoint a new leaderverse 17
Sheep with no shepherdverse 17
Joshua new leaderverse 18
Give him a charge
Honor
Congregation of the children of Israelverse 20
Judgment of the Urimverse 21
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
Dieverse 3
Death of Mosesverse 13
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QUOTES regarding passage
The Urim and Thummim were instruments of divine illumination via a priestly intermediary, though the physical shape and the methodology of utilization are not revealed in Scripture. (Cole, R. D. (2000). Numbers (Vol. 3B, p. 469). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
But the narrative makes clear that his leadership will not be of the same type as that of Moses: You shall invest him with some of your authority (20). Whereas God spoke to Moses face to face (12:6–8), Joshua will be instructed by Eleazar the priest, who will use the Urim and Thummim, the sacred lot, to discover God’s will (cf. Exod. 28:30: 1 Sam. 14:41[lxx]; 28:6) Thus the days of Moses are quite different from the succeeding period. Then God’s will was made known directly through Moses, a prophetic mediator; later generations had to rely on the priests, the authoritative teachers of the law (Lev. 10:10–11). When guidance was required on political or military questions not covered by the law, the priests could use the Urim and Thummim as a sort of oracle. (Wenham, G. J. (1981). Numbers: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 4, p. 217). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.)
27:20 put some of your authority. Moses was to pass on some of the “honor” or “majesty” that he had to Joshua. See Jos 3:7. (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Nu 27:20). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
The succession procedure was to include the laying on of hands, a visual representation of the transfer of power while Moses was still alive (cf. the laying on of hands in the NT, Acts 6:6). This action was to forestall any doubts as to the legitimacy of the transfer of power among the people. This investiture of power (see Deut 34:9, “because Moses had laid his hands on him”) was to be done under the most solemn and public of circumstances. It was done before Eleazar and the whole congregation (v.19). Moreover, the transfer was to be put into operation on a gradual but immediate basis. Some of Moses’ authority was to be given to Joshua that the people might begin to obey him (v.20). The transition from the leadership of Moses to any successor would be difficult. The change would be made smoother by a gradual shift of power while Moses was still alive.
Joshua was to stand before Eleazar while Moses was alive, that there would be no priestly objections either. Joshua would go before the priest for consultation and for the decision of the Urim (see on Exod 28:30) before the Lord (v.20). Joshua was to begin leading the movement of the congregation as well. (Allen, R. B. (1990). Numbers. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers (Vol. 2, p. 946). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)
27:18–23. The Lord’s response was immediate: Take Joshua son of Nun. This Spirit-filled man, who had already demonstrated his qualities and capabilities (Ex. 17:8–10; 24:13; 33:11; Num. 11:28–29; 14:30, 38), was an ideal successor to Moses. His appointment must be public, however, so the community would know Joshua was entitled to the same respect as Moses and was to have some of Moses’ authority.
After Moses laid his hand on him thus commissioning him, Joshua was to stand before Eleazar the priest to symbolize the relationship that the two would enjoy from then on—Eleazar would reveal the will of God through the Urim (cf. Ex. 28:30) and Joshua would carry out God’s directives. Moses then carried out these instructions. (Merrill, E. H. (1985). Numbers. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 249). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
During his years of service with Moses, Joshua learned some valuable principles of spiritual life and service, principles that still apply today. When you read the Book of Joshua, you see that he was concerned for the glory of God and the welfare of the people, and that he was careful to obey the orders God gave him. The two times Joshua didn’t seek God’s will, he brought the nation into shameful defeat (Josh. 7 and 9), but to his credit, he trusted God to make his mistakes work out successfully in the end.
Under Joshua’s leadership, the nation worked together to defeat the pagan nations in Canaan and then establish the nation of Israel. Before he died, he called the leaders and the people together and led them in dedicating themselves and their families to the Lord, affirming to them, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (24:15). (Wiersbe, W. W. (1999). Be counted (pp. 125–126). Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub.)
27:21 Eleazar … shall inquire for him. Moses had been able to communicate directly with God (12:8), but Joshua would receive the Word from the Lord through the High-Priest. Urim. See note on Ex 28:30 for this part of the High-Priest’s breastpiece (Ex 39:8–21) as a means of determining God’s will (cf. Dt 33:8; 1Sa 28:6). (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Nu 27:21). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
Ver. 21. And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, &c.] This was for the honour of God, whose priest Eleazar was, and whose oracle was consulted by him; for it is said, the high-priest did not come into the presence of the king but when he pleased; and he did not stand before him, but the king stood before the high-priest, as it is said, and before Eleazar the priest shall he stand; though it is commanded the high-priest to honour the king, and to rise up and stand when he comes unto him; and the king does not stand before him, but when he consults for him by the judgment of Urim; and his posture seems to be different from other persons that consulted; for the same writer observes, in answer to a question, “how do they consult? the priest stands, and his face is before the ark, and he that consults is behind him, and his face to the back of the priest;” whereas here Joshua stood before the priest, and so any king or supreme governor: who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord: of the Urim and Thummim which were in the breastplate of judgment, and of consultation by them, see the note on Exod. 28:30 and from this place the Jews infer that consultation was not made by them for a private person, but for a king, or for one the congregation stood in need of: at his word shall they go out, and at his word shall they come in; go out to war, and return from it, or do any service enjoined them; that is, either at the word of the Lord, or rather at the word of Eleazar the priest, declaring the will of God, which comes to much the same sense; or at the word of Joshua, directed by the high-priest, according to the oracle of God; and he being under such direction, the people could never do amiss in obeying him, or be in any fear or danger of being led wrong by him; but he is mentioned in the next clause, as included in those that went out, and came in: both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation; which Maimonides interprets thus, he, this is the king; and all the children of Israel, this is the anointed for war, or he whom the congregation hath need of; and all the congregation, these are the great sanhedrim, or seventy elders. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 1, p. 841). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
The CHURCH in an AGE of CRISIS by James Emery White
In spite of recent surveys, the millennial generation is being charted for what it really is: materialistic, liberal, socially isolated, and perhaps more captured by individualism than any previous generation. (p. 71)
According to a 2006 study of incoming freshmen by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA:
61 percent embraced same –sex marriage
78.4 percent believed abortion should be legal
81 percent said getting rich was one of their most important life goals (p. 71)
“They’re putting their resources and energy and validation and self-worth into what people who aren’t close to them think of them, which is fame.” (p.72)
The dream is “no longer about seizing opportunity but about realizing perfection … The career has to be perfect, the wife has to be perfect, the children have to be perfect, the home has to be perfect, the car has to be perfect, the social circle has to be perfect “ (p.72)
TRUTH AND ERROR
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 1 Corinthians 2:12
An important reason for testing and trying the spirits is the evidence provided by the long history of the church of the havoc that has often been wrought in the church because people would not try and test the spirits, because they said, “I have received such a wonderful experience, and therefore I must be right.” What we are concerned about is not a matter of sincerity and honesty—we are concerned about truth and error, and truth and error have to be defined.
Is this something only for theologians and professors of theology or for ministers and leaders? Is it only for certain people? The answer is that it is for all. “Beloved”—he is writing to the average church member—“believe not every spirit, but try the spirits” (1 John 4:1). Later on he says, “Ye are of God, little children” (verse 4), and I think he used the expression “little children” deliberately—“you, the ordinary church members, little children—you hear us because you are of the truth.”
It is the duty and the business of everyone examining the name Christian to be in a position to try and examine and test the spirits. Indeed, we are given the power to do so—“greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). We have been given this capacity by God through the Holy Spirit; the Spirit dwells in us, and therefore we have this power of discrimination and understanding. The apostle Paul tells us that at great length in 1 Corinthians. For example, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:12). That is it!
A Thought to Ponder: We are concerned about truth and error, and truth and error have to be defined. (From The Love of God, pp.18-20, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis imagines how an experienced demonic operative might advise a younger, less experienced understudy in the intricacies of counter-Christian spiritual warfare. In one passage especially relevant right now, Lewis describes how politics could be used to tempt and thwart a Christ-follower. The setting is World War II Britain. “Uncle Screwtape” says it this way:
“Let [your patient] begin by treating … Patriotism or Pacifism as part of his religion. Then let him, under the influence of partisan spirit, come to regard it as the most important part. Then quietly and gradually nurse him on to the stage at which the religion becomes merely part of the ‘cause,’ in which Christianity is valued chiefly because of the excellent arguments it can produce in favour of the British war-effort or of Pacifism.”
Note the progression: first, politics is part of religion. Then, politics is the most important part of religion. Then, religion becomes part of politics. It’s genius.
To be clear, Lewis never advises that Christians ought abandon political engagement or political causes. He does, however, warn just how easily the enemy can use political engagement to confuse what are ends and what are means. Or, to use language we often employ at the Colson Center, when it comes politics, especially the high-stakes kind that defines the current climate, American Christians have a history of losing the Story in the chaos of the moment.
America is worth protecting and preserving, and Christians should always side with what is good, even if flawed. We have much to steward, including the historic recognition of God-given rights, a system of government designed to protect those rights, a Constitution that prioritizes our allegiance to God over any allegiance to the state, and a history of men and women whom God used, within the framework of that freedom, to spark revival, to confront our national sins, to secure civil rights, to found Christian institutions, and to send missionaries around the world.
However, as we rightly acknowledge the ways in which America has been a blessing for the Church, we can never confuse one for the other. It is the Church whose future is secure. It is to the Head of the Church that our allegiance ultimately and exclusively belongs. The Kingdom of God is the end of all of human history. It, and only it, can ever claim our highest loyalties.
Redirecting our loyalties is more tempting than we often care to admit in a context in which more and more of daily life is politicized, a reality that simultaneously reveals deep flaws in our current social order and elevates the stakes of each subsequent election. Whenever and wherever political realities invade spaces that properly belong to family, to community, to friendship, and to religion, Americans should push back. For the Christian, however, the stakes are even higher. We have embraced Christ, who offers more than personal salvation. He offers a Kingdom that will have no end. He is not less than our personal Savior, but He is certainly more. He is the King. His throne is not threatened or vulnerable.
Loyalties, Lewis understood, are not lost in grand ways. Politics claims them in more subtle ways. As Uncle Screwtape wrote:
“Once you have made the World an end, and faith as a means, you have almost won your man, and it makes very little difference what kind of worldly end he is pursuing. Provided that meetings, pamphlets, policies, movements, causes, and crusades matter more to him than prayers and sacraments and charity, he is ours.”
Chuck Colson famously said that salvation will never come on Air Force One. Neither will, for that matter, the antiChrist. The rule and reign of Jesus Christ does not stand or fall on this or any election. Rather, we see this moment, even this political moment that holds so much consequence for our nation, in light of what is ultimately true: Christ is risen! Christ is Lord! Christ is making all things new!
By all means, we ought labor and canvas and advocate and persuade to the best of our ability. We ought want the true and good to win the day on Tuesday. But we will not serve this moment or any righteous cause well unless we keep certain things straight. We must not confuse the end with means. We must not confuse the King of Heaven and earth with the princes of this world. We must not confuse the potential of politics with the hope of resurrection.
Publication date: November 2, 2020 (BreakPoint)
1 Thessalonians 2
Paul’s method of ministry is described. He communicates the Gospel with love and integrity.
INSIGHT
Whenever the message of your words and the message of your actions conflict, the message of your actions will always win out. You may speak gruffly but act kindly, and you will be known as having a hard shell but being a “softie” on the inside. Or you may speak well but act selfishly, and you will be known as a hypocrite. There is no accusation leveled at Christians more consistently than that of hypocrisy. Our lives must support the reality of the Gospel, or the Gospel will not be taken seriously and we will be resented. Paul writes: “We were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives” (v. 8). Unless we are willing to impart our lives in ministry, our words will mean little. (Quiet Walk)
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