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Judgment, Tolerance, and Correction
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIn the context of judgment and decision-making, a notable biblical example involves Zelophehad's daughters as recorded in Numbers 27:1-11. When Zelophehad died, leaving five daughters but no sons, Israel lacked specific inheritance laws for such a situation. Moses, unsure of how to proceed, sought God's guidance and received a judgment. God applied existing principles of blood relationship closeness to establish a progressive sequence for inheritance. His judgment became the law of the land, setting a precedent for future cases. This instance demonstrates how judgment, based on discernment and comparison with established principles, addresses unique circumstances and shapes legal and moral standards.
Faith (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Numbers 27, the daughters of Zelophehad approached Moses with an appeal concerning their inheritance, as their father had died without sons, leaving them without land. In a time when a woman's societal status was only slightly above that of a child, such a request was virtually unheard of. Moses, demonstrating humility, listened to their plea and admitted he did not know the answer. He took their case before God. Not only did God hear their request, but He also granted more than they asked for, allowing them not just to inherit the land but also to pass it on as if they were sons. This response highlights a significant principle: no leader under God can afford to ignore the lowly or dismiss their counsel. Moses' meekness and willingness to hear these women, where other leaders of his day might have refused even to entertain their presence, led to the establishment of an important legal precedent.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the journey through the wilderness, as recorded in Numbers 27:1-6, the daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, the princes, and the congregation at the door of the tabernacle. They presented their case with boldness, stating that their father had died in the wilderness, not as part of Korah's rebellion, but in his own sin, leaving no sons. They questioned why their father's name should disappear from his family simply because he had no male heir, and they requested a possession among their father's brethren. Moses, demonstrating profound humility, admitted he did not know the answer and brought their cause before the Lord for guidance. This event highlights the importance of listening to those perceived as lowly, as Moses did not scornfully reject these women despite cultural norms favoring male inheritance. Instead, he set an example of meekness by seeking God's counsel, showing that no leader under God can afford to dismiss the concerns of those deemed lesser by others.
Wonderful Women
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAccording to God's vision of the institution of marriage, when man and wife follow the rule of submission and sacrificial love, patriarchy is a blessing.
Why We Do Not Vote
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChristians have been called out of this world's politics, voting included. As ambassadors of Christ, we cannot participate in the politics of another country.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Seventeen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Law (including the judgments, ordinances, and statutes), far from being done away, shows us our faults and outlines the way of mercy and love—how to live.
The Commandments (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWealth accumulated by honest work and diligence will be blessed, but hastily acquired by any kind of theft or dishonesty will be cursed.
Numbers (Part Three): Poised at the Jordan
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe last chapters in Numbers describe a lengthy holding pattern in which not much seemed to happen. We must have patience as we wait for the Kingdom of God.