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Welcome, Mariners Church. It's a Welcome, Mariners Church. It's a blessing to worship with you today. If blessing to worship with you today. If blessing to worship with you today. If you're joining us for the first time, you're joining us for the first time, you're joining us for the first time, we're so glad you're here. We'd love to we're so glad you're here. We'd love to we're so glad you're here. We'd love to connect with you, get to know you more, connect with you, get to know you more, connect with you, get to know you more, and pray for you. Please take a moment and pray for you. Please take a moment and pray for you. Please take a moment and fill out the connect card in the and fill out the connect card in the and fill out the connect card in the chat window or visit chat window or visit chat window or visit marinerschurch.org/connect. marinerschurch.org/connect. marinerschurch.org/connect. Today, we'll be taking communion Today, we'll be taking communion Today, we'll be taking communion together as a church. Grab some bread or together as a church. Grab some bread or together as a church. Grab some bread or crackers and juice from around the house crackers and juice from around the house crackers and juice from around the house and prepare to take communion with us and prepare to take communion with us and prepare to take communion with us later in service. Now, let's join in later in service. Now, let's join in later in service. Now, let's join in worship together. I was buried I was buried beneath beneath beneath my shame. Who could carry that kind Who could carry that kind of weight? I was breathing but not I was breathing but not a lie.

All my failures I've tried All my failures I've tried to hide. It was my turn. It was my turn. Till I met you. out of the darkness out of the darkness into your glorious day. out of the darkness out of the darkness into your glorious day. Now your mercy has saved Now your mercy has saved my soul. Oh yes it has Lord.

my soul. Oh yes it has Lord. my soul. Oh yes it has Lord. And now your freedom is all And now your freedom is all And now your freedom is all that I know. And we declare this that I know. And we declare this that I know. And we declare this together. together. together. The only new The only new The only new Jesus when I met you. You call my name You call my name in our red out of the darkness out of the darkness into your glorious day. into your glorious day into your glorious day into your glorious day. This is a story about our own testimony This is a story about our own testimony that we once were dead in our sins but that we once were dead in our sins but that we once were dead in our sins but we are now alive in Christ. So we sing we are now alive in Christ. So we sing we are now alive in Christ. So we sing this together that I needed resue my sin this together that I needed resue my sin this together that I needed resue my sin was heavy but chains break at the weight was heavy but chains break at the weight was heavy but chains break at the weight of your glory. I needed shelter. I was of your glory. I needed shelter. I was of your glory. I needed shelter. I was an orphan but you've called me a citizen an orphan but you've called me a citizen an orphan but you've called me a citizen of heaven.

of heaven. of heaven. I was broken. You're my I I the darkness the darkness the darkness into your glorious day. the rugged and the royal, the faithful

the rugged and the royal, the faithful and the fallen. Come one, come all to and the fallen. Come one, come all to and the fallen. Come one, come all to the cross. the cross. the cross. The warriors in wounded, the fatherless The warriors in wounded, the fatherless The warriors in wounded, the fatherless and father, come one, come all to the and father, come one, come all to the and father, come one, come all to the cross. cross. cross. Oh, we made a way for us. Oh, we made a way for us. Oh, we made a way for us. Lift up your hands and sing his praise. Lift up your hands and sing his praise. Lift up your hands and sing his praise. Shout it out. Shout it out. Shout it out. Jesus s the gather and the lonely, the satisfied the gather and the lonely, the satisfied and empty. Come one come all to the and empty. Come one come all to the and empty. Come one come all to the cross. Hear the invitation. Hear the invitation. The father's sons are ruled. Come on.

The father's sons are ruled. Come on. The father's sons are ruled. Come on. Come on to the cross. Come on to the cross. Come on to the cross. Holy. Lift up your hands and see his praise. Lift up your hands and see his praise. Shus. Come on. The doors are open wide. Sing Come on. The doors are open wide. Sing of his salvation.

of his salvation. of his salvation. The doors are open wide. Sing of his The doors are open wide. Sing of his The doors are open wide. Sing of his salvation. salvation. salvation. The doors are open wide. Sing of his The doors are open wide. Sing of his The doors are open wide. Sing of his salvation. salvation. salvation. The doors are open wide. Sing of his The doors are open wide. Sing of his The doors are open wide. Sing of his salvation. salvation. salvation. Christ has been crucified. Sing of his Christ has been crucified. Sing of his Christ has been crucified. Sing of his salvation. salvation. salvation. He came back to life. Sing of his He came back to life. Sing of his He came back to life. Sing of his salvation. salvation. salvation. So come to So come to So come to our resurrection. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Oh, everything changed. Oh, everything changed. It's getting harder to recognize It's getting harder to recognize It's getting harder to recognize the person I was the person I was the person I was before I encountered Christ. I don't before I encountered Christ. I don't before I encountered Christ. I don't walk like I used to. I don't talk like I walk like I used to. I don't talk like I walk like I used to. I don't talk like I used to. I've been washed from the used to. I've been washed from the used to. I've been washed from the inside.

inside. inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. Hallelu. I know it was the blood. Could have only I know it was the blood. Could have only been the blood. been the blood. been the blood. Hallelu. I know it was the blood. Could have only I know it was the blood. Could have only been the blood. been the blood. been the blood. Yeah. I cannot explain, I cannot explain, but nothing's more real than this. In but nothing's more real than this. In but nothing's more real than this. In the presence of God. the presence of God. the presence of God. Oh, my heart experienced. Oh, my heart experienced. Oh, my heart experienced. When my shame hit the wayside When my shame hit the wayside When my shame hit the wayside and my sin met the most high, I've been and my sin met the most high, I've been and my sin met the most high, I've been washed from the inside. Yeah, I've been washed from the inside. Yeah, I've been washed from the inside. Yeah, I've been washed from the inside.

washed from the inside. washed from the inside. Hallelu. I know it was the blood. Could have only I know it was the blood. Could have only been the blood. been the blood. been the blood. Hallelu. I know it was the blood. Could have only I know it was the blood. Could have only been the blood. How can I thank you, Lord? How can I How can I thank you, Lord? How can I thank you, Jesus? thank you, Jesus? thank you, Jesus? Oh, Oh, Oh, I'll remember. It's never been about I'll remember. It's never been about I'll remember. It's never been about performance, performance, performance, perfection, perfection, perfection, or striving for acceptance. Let me tell or striving for acceptance. Let me tell or striving for acceptance. Let me tell you, it's only by the blood.

you, it's only by the blood. you, it's only by the blood. It's never been about deserve. It's a gift that's free again. Let me It's a gift that's free again. Let me tell tell tell it's only by the blood. it's only by the blood. it's only by the blood. Does anybody want to be holy and Does anybody want to be holy and Does anybody want to be holy and rightous? Does anybody want to be worthy for Does anybody want to be worthy for just the Thank you Lord. Thank you Thank you Lord. Thank you forever my heart forever my life I know it was the blood could have only

I know it was the blood could have only been the blood. been the blood. been the blood. Hallelu. I know it was a blood. I know it was a blood. Could have only been Could have only been Could have only been the best. Amen. Worshiping together is such a Amen. Worshiping together is such a gift. My name is Justin. I serve as the gift. My name is Justin. I serve as the gift. My name is Justin. I serve as the online disciplehip pastor. I want to online disciplehip pastor. I want to online disciplehip pastor. I want to invite you to join our next session of invite you to join our next session of invite you to join our next session of Rooted. It's our 10-week small group Rooted. It's our 10-week small group Rooted. It's our 10-week small group experience designed to connect you to experience designed to connect you to experience designed to connect you to God, the church, and your purpose. It's God, the church, and your purpose. It's God, the church, and your purpose. It's launching the week of August 24th. Each launching the week of August 24th. Each launching the week of August 24th. Each group is prayerfully formed so you can group is prayerfully formed so you can group is prayerfully formed so you can create deep connections with others from create deep connections with others from create deep connections with others from our online community with groups our online community with groups our online community with groups available by time zone. You can sign up available by time zone. You can sign up available by time zone. You can sign up for Rooted online now or at any of our for Rooted online now or at any of our for Rooted online now or at any of our congregations through the link below. In congregations through the link below. In congregations through the link below. In 2 weeks, we'll be launching a new series 2 weeks, we'll be launching a new series 2 weeks, we'll be launching a new series called When Life Doesn't Make Sense. The called When Life Doesn't Make Sense. The called When Life Doesn't Make Sense. The Bible does not shy away from the reality Bible does not shy away from the reality Bible does not shy away from the reality that sometimes life does not make sense.

that sometimes life does not make sense. that sometimes life does not make sense. Times when we feel angry, betrayed, Times when we feel angry, betrayed, Times when we feel angry, betrayed, anxious, or ashamed, scripture addresses anxious, or ashamed, scripture addresses anxious, or ashamed, scripture addresses the pains and the complexities of life, the pains and the complexities of life, the pains and the complexities of life, reminding us that God understands us and reminding us that God understands us and reminding us that God understands us and welcomes us. I hope you join us as we welcomes us. I hope you join us as we welcomes us. I hope you join us as we discover God's grace and wisdom for discover God's grace and wisdom for discover God's grace and wisdom for every season. Today, we're continuing every season. Today, we're continuing every season. Today, we're continuing our summer series through the book of our summer series through the book of our summer series through the book of Numbers. As you travel and enjoy time Numbers. As you travel and enjoy time Numbers. As you travel and enjoy time with family and friends, I encourage you with family and friends, I encourage you with family and friends, I encourage you not to miss a week of this incredible not to miss a week of this incredible not to miss a week of this incredible study. Join us online wherever you are study. Join us online wherever you are study. Join us online wherever you are and follow along with the sermon notes and follow along with the sermon notes and follow along with the sermon notes in the Mariners's app. Before we join in the Mariners's app. Before we join in the Mariners's app. Before we join one of our teaching pastors, Christine one of our teaching pastors, Christine one of our teaching pastors, Christine Kaine, for the message, let's take a Kaine, for the message, let's take a Kaine, for the message, let's take a look at what we've walked through so look at what we've walked through so look at what we've walked through so far. Through their rescue from slavery and in Through their rescue from slavery and in their 40-year journey through the their 40-year journey through the their 40-year journey through the wilderness, God's chosen people had wilderness, God's chosen people had wilderness, God's chosen people had experienced his miraculous power and the experienced his miraculous power and the experienced his miraculous power and the incredible weight of his holiness. Quail incredible weight of his holiness. Quail incredible weight of his holiness. Quail from heaven, fire falling from the sky, from heaven, fire falling from the sky, from heaven, fire falling from the sky, the ground opening, water from a rock, the ground opening, water from a rock, the ground opening, water from a rock, venomous snakes, a donkey speaking. Even venomous snakes, a donkey speaking. Even venomous snakes, a donkey speaking. Even through their grumbling and lack of through their grumbling and lack of through their grumbling and lack of faith, God's promise and faithfulness to faith, God's promise and faithfulness to faith, God's promise and faithfulness to his people endured. The next generation his people endured. The next generation his people endured. The next generation now stands at the edge of the promised now stands at the edge of the promised now stands at the edge of the promised land. Will they learn from their land. Will they learn from their land. Will they learn from their parents' mistakes?

Hi Mariners online. I'm so glad that Hi Mariners online. I'm so glad that you've joined us today. Now if we you've joined us today. Now if we you've joined us today. Now if we haven't met, my name is Christine Kaine haven't met, my name is Christine Kaine haven't met, my name is Christine Kaine and I'm one of the teaching pastors and I'm one of the teaching pastors and I'm one of the teaching pastors right here at Mariners. Now today I have right here at Mariners. Now today I have right here at Mariners. Now today I have the absolute privilege of wrapping up the absolute privilege of wrapping up the absolute privilege of wrapping up this amazing series on the book of this amazing series on the book of this amazing series on the book of Numbers. Now, as you can tell from my Numbers. Now, as you can tell from my Numbers. Now, as you can tell from my accent, I am originally from the great accent, I am originally from the great accent, I am originally from the great nation of Australia. And most of my nation of Australia. And most of my nation of Australia. And most of my relatives still live in Australia. And relatives still live in Australia. And relatives still live in Australia. And my niece Ava, who's my younger brother my niece Ava, who's my younger brother my niece Ava, who's my younger brother Andrew's daughter, she called me from Andrew's daughter, she called me from Andrew's daughter, she called me from Sydney a few years ago, and she was so Sydney a few years ago, and she was so Sydney a few years ago, and she was so fired up because she had just landed a fired up because she had just landed a fired up because she had just landed a part in the movie Thor: Love and part in the movie Thor: Love and part in the movie Thor: Love and Thunder. Now, this featured the Thunder. Now, this featured the Thunder. Now, this featured the Australian A-list movie star Chris Australian A-list movie star Chris Australian A-list movie star Chris Hemsworth, and she was going to play the Hemsworth, and she was going to play the Hemsworth, and she was going to play the role of the young Jane Foster, who role of the young Jane Foster, who role of the young Jane Foster, who actually was Natalie Portman's actually was Natalie Portman's actually was Natalie Portman's character. So, she was fired up and character. So, she was fired up and character. So, she was fired up and excited when she got the role because excited when she got the role because excited when she got the role because she's been acting since she came out of she's been acting since she came out of she's been acting since she came out of the womb, and she landed some great the womb, and she landed some great the womb, and she landed some great roles in Australia over the years. But roles in Australia over the years. But roles in Australia over the years. But to be honest, to land a role in an to be honest, to land a role in an to be honest, to land a role in an A-list movie with an A-list star, this A-list movie with an A-list star, this A-list movie with an A-list star, this was the pinnacle of her career and was the pinnacle of her career and was the pinnacle of her career and really was going to launch her into her really was going to launch her into her really was going to launch her into her future. So obviously in the movie future. So obviously in the movie future. So obviously in the movie industry, an A-lister is like the top industry, an A-lister is like the top industry, an A-lister is like the top tier celebrity with universal name tier celebrity with universal name tier celebrity with universal name recognition and their attachment to a recognition and their attachment to a recognition and their attachment to a project. Basically, it it guarantees a project. Basically, it it guarantees a project. Basically, it it guarantees a box office hit. Now most of us would box office hit. Now most of us would box office hit. Now most of us would know household names like like Tom Cruz know household names like like Tom Cruz know household names like like Tom Cruz or Mel Street or Brad Pitt Denzel or Mel Street or Brad Pitt Denzel or Mel Street or Brad Pitt Denzel Washington or Julia Roberts and you know

Washington or Julia Roberts and you know Washington or Julia Roberts and you know while there's no real official rating while there's no real official rating while there's no real official rating system there is an unofficial alias system there is an unofficial alias system there is an unofficial alias through to Dlist kind of hierarchy and through to Dlist kind of hierarchy and through to Dlist kind of hierarchy and basically this industry standard concept basically this industry standard concept basically this industry standard concept is it's used by the studios to rank a is it's used by the studios to rank a is it's used by the studios to rank a celebrity's marketability. So belist celebrity's marketability. So belist celebrity's marketability. So belist actors are those they're constantly actors are those they're constantly actors are those they're constantly working and they're famous within their working and they're famous within their working and they're famous within their field but they're not necessarily field but they're not necessarily field but they're not necessarily household names. Now they often play a household names. Now they often play a household names. Now they often play a supporting role to the main character. supporting role to the main character. supporting role to the main character. And Calist actors, well they're often And Calist actors, well they're often And Calist actors, well they're often known by their face but not by their known by their face but not by their known by their face but not by their name and they appear for like small bit name and they appear for like small bit name and they appear for like small bit parts. And then the D-listers, they're parts. And then the D-listers, they're parts. And then the D-listers, they're basically everyone else that you've basically everyone else that you've basically everyone else that you've never heard of. Now why am I telling you never heard of. Now why am I telling you never heard of. Now why am I telling you this? I'm telling you this because when this? I'm telling you this because when this? I'm telling you this because when it comes to knowing about people it comes to knowing about people it comes to knowing about people mentioned in the Bible, you and I, we we mentioned in the Bible, you and I, we we mentioned in the Bible, you and I, we we often only know about the A-listers. often only know about the A-listers. often only know about the A-listers. Now, now these are the ones in the Bible Now, now these are the ones in the Bible Now, now these are the ones in the Bible that have got books named after them. that have got books named after them. that have got books named after them. Books like Isaiah or Jeremiah or Joshua, Books like Isaiah or Jeremiah or Joshua, Books like Isaiah or Jeremiah or Joshua, Esther, Nehemiah, Daniel in the New Esther, Nehemiah, Daniel in the New Esther, Nehemiah, Daniel in the New Testament, you know, Peter, James, or Testament, you know, Peter, James, or Testament, you know, Peter, James, or Timothy or John or Luke. Now, we also Timothy or John or Luke. Now, we also Timothy or John or Luke. Now, we also know those that are in the awesome hall know those that are in the awesome hall know those that are in the awesome hall of faith in Hebrewsap 11 when their of faith in Hebrewsap 11 when their of faith in Hebrewsap 11 when their names are unpacked. So they're people names are unpacked. So they're people names are unpacked. So they're people like Noah, Moses, Abraham, Sarah, like Noah, Moses, Abraham, Sarah, like Noah, Moses, Abraham, Sarah, Deborah, Joseph, or Isaac. They're all Deborah, Joseph, or Isaac. They're all Deborah, Joseph, or Isaac. They're all A-listers. But today, we're going to A-listers. But today, we're going to A-listers. But today, we're going to talk about five women who I guarantee talk about five women who I guarantee talk about five women who I guarantee most of you have never ever heard of.

most of you have never ever heard of. most of you have never ever heard of. They're in scripture. They're actually They're in scripture. They're actually They're in scripture. They're actually mentioned by name five times. Now, these mentioned by name five times. Now, these mentioned by name five times. Now, these women, they get a lot of biblical real women, they get a lot of biblical real women, they get a lot of biblical real estate for non-alist Bible characters. estate for non-alist Bible characters. estate for non-alist Bible characters. And it's my prayer that after today, you And it's my prayer that after today, you And it's my prayer that after today, you will never ever forget these five women. will never ever forget these five women. will never ever forget these five women. So with that, would you turn with me So with that, would you turn with me So with that, would you turn with me today to Numbers chapter 27? We're going today to Numbers chapter 27? We're going today to Numbers chapter 27? We're going to read verses through 1 to 11. This is to read verses through 1 to 11. This is to read verses through 1 to 11. This is the word of the Lord. The daughters of the word of the Lord. The daughters of the word of the Lord. The daughters of Zofah had approached. Zilapahad was the Zofah had approached. Zilapahad was the Zofah had approached. Zilapahad was the son of Hepha, son of Gilead, son of son of Hepha, son of Gilead, son of son of Hepha, son of Gilead, son of Machi, son of Manessa, from the clans of Machi, son of Manessa, from the clans of Machi, son of Manessa, from the clans of Manessa, the son of Joseph. These were Manessa, the son of Joseph. These were Manessa, the son of Joseph. These were the names of his daughters. Mala, Noah, the names of his daughters. Mala, Noah, the names of his daughters. Mala, Noah, Hogler, Milka, and Tiraza. They stood Hogler, Milka, and Tiraza. They stood Hogler, Milka, and Tiraza. They stood before Moses, the priest Eleaza, the before Moses, the priest Eleaza, the before Moses, the priest Eleaza, the leaders, and the entire community at the leaders, and the entire community at the leaders, and the entire community at the entrance to the tent of meeting and entrance to the tent of meeting and entrance to the tent of meeting and said, "Our Father died in the said, "Our Father died in the said, "Our Father died in the wilderness." But he was not among Kora's wilderness." But he was not among Kora's wilderness." But he was not among Kora's followers who gathered together against followers who gathered together against followers who gathered together against the Lord. Instead, he died because of the Lord. Instead, he died because of the Lord. Instead, he died because of his own sin, and he had no sons. Why his own sin, and he had no sons. Why his own sin, and he had no sons. Why should the name of our father be taken should the name of our father be taken should the name of our father be taken away from his clan since he had no son?

away from his clan since he had no son? away from his clan since he had no son? Give us property among our father's Give us property among our father's Give us property among our father's brothers. brothers. brothers. Moses brought their case before the Moses brought their case before the Moses brought their case before the Lord. And the Lord answered him, "What Lord. And the Lord answered him, "What Lord. And the Lord answered him, "What Zilahad's daughter say is correct. You Zilahad's daughter say is correct. You Zilahad's daughter say is correct. You are to give them hereditary property are to give them hereditary property are to give them hereditary property among their father's brothers and among their father's brothers and among their father's brothers and transfer their father's inheritance to transfer their father's inheritance to transfer their father's inheritance to them." Tell the Israelites, "When a man them." Tell the Israelites, "When a man them." Tell the Israelites, "When a man dies without having a son, transfer his dies without having a son, transfer his dies without having a son, transfer his inheritance to his daughter. If he has inheritance to his daughter. If he has inheritance to his daughter. If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his no daughter, give his inheritance to his no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. If he has no brothers, give brothers. If he has no brothers, give brothers. If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father's his inheritance to his father's his inheritance to his father's brothers. If his father has no brothers, brothers. If his father has no brothers, brothers. If his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest give his inheritance to the nearest give his inheritance to the nearest relative of his clan, and he will take relative of his clan, and he will take relative of his clan, and he will take possession of it." This is to be a possession of it." This is to be a possession of it." This is to be a statutory ordinance for the Israelites statutory ordinance for the Israelites statutory ordinance for the Israelites as the Lord commanded Moses. Now, what as the Lord commanded Moses. Now, what as the Lord commanded Moses. Now, what an incredible passage of scripture this an incredible passage of scripture this an incredible passage of scripture this is and one that's so easily overlooked. is and one that's so easily overlooked. is and one that's so easily overlooked. Now, I mean, if we were honest, most Now, I mean, if we were honest, most Now, I mean, if we were honest, most people have never even heard of Zafahad, people have never even heard of Zafahad, people have never even heard of Zafahad, let alone his five daughters. Now, this let alone his five daughters. Now, this let alone his five daughters. Now, this is actually not the very first time that is actually not the very first time that is actually not the very first time that we see their names show up on the pages we see their names show up on the pages we see their names show up on the pages of scripture. They were first mentioned of scripture. They were first mentioned of scripture. They were first mentioned one chapter before in chapter 26 which one chapter before in chapter 26 which one chapter before in chapter 26 which is actually the beginning of the final is actually the beginning of the final is actually the beginning of the final section of the book of numbers. Now this section of the book of numbers. Now this section of the book of numbers. Now this was when God told Moses to take a second was when God told Moses to take a second was when God told Moses to take a second census after the generation that had census after the generation that had census after the generation that had come out of Egypt. They had died in the come out of Egypt. They had died in the come out of Egypt. They had died in the wilderness. So we read in numbers 26:es wilderness. So we read in numbers 26:es wilderness. So we read in numbers 26:es 1 and 2 after the plague the Lord said

1 and 2 after the plague the Lord said 1 and 2 after the plague the Lord said to Moses and Eleazar son of Aaron the to Moses and Eleazar son of Aaron the to Moses and Eleazar son of Aaron the priest take a census of the entire priest take a census of the entire priest take a census of the entire Israelite community by their ancestral Israelite community by their ancestral Israelite community by their ancestral families of those 20 years old or more families of those 20 years old or more families of those 20 years old or more who can serve in Israel's army. The rest who can serve in Israel's army. The rest who can serve in Israel's army. The rest of the chapter is a list of the names of the chapter is a list of the names of the chapter is a list of the names recorded in this second census. And in recorded in this second census. And in recorded in this second census. And in verse 33, we find that Zolofahad's son verse 33, we find that Zolofahad's son verse 33, we find that Zolofahad's son of Hepha had no sons, only daughters. of Hepha had no sons, only daughters. of Hepha had no sons, only daughters. The names of Zilofahad's daughters were The names of Zilofahad's daughters were The names of Zilofahad's daughters were Mara, Noah, Hogla, Mila, and Tursza. Mara, Noah, Hogla, Mila, and Tursza. Mara, Noah, Hogla, Mila, and Tursza. Now, I know it is so easy to skip over Now, I know it is so easy to skip over Now, I know it is so easy to skip over chapter 26 in our annual Bible reading chapter 26 in our annual Bible reading chapter 26 in our annual Bible reading plan because let's be honest, who cares plan because let's be honest, who cares plan because let's be honest, who cares about a long list of names of people about a long list of names of people about a long list of names of people that we don't really know or we don't that we don't really know or we don't that we don't really know or we don't really care about? But the thing that I really care about? But the thing that I really care about? But the thing that I don't want you to miss is that this don't want you to miss is that this don't want you to miss is that this census was supposed to count the number census was supposed to count the number census was supposed to count the number of able-bodied men that were over 20 of able-bodied men that were over 20 of able-bodied men that were over 20 years old and that they could be years old and that they could be years old and that they could be conscripted into the army. So there conscripted into the army. So there conscripted into the army. So there right in that list of names in this right in that list of names in this right in that list of names in this chapter containing a long list of male chapter containing a long list of male chapter containing a long list of male names we find the names of five women.

names we find the names of five women. names we find the names of five women. So this signifies to us that these women So this signifies to us that these women So this signifies to us that these women are so important. And what is equally are so important. And what is equally are so important. And what is equally incredible is that these women are incredible is that these women are incredible is that these women are mentioned by name. They are their names mentioned by name. They are their names mentioned by name. They are their names are right there. Mara, Noah, Hogler, are right there. Mara, Noah, Hogler, are right there. Mara, Noah, Hogler, Milka, and Tursza. Five chicks that you Milka, and Tursza. Five chicks that you Milka, and Tursza. Five chicks that you have most likely never ever have heard have most likely never ever have heard have most likely never ever have heard of, but they actually made history. The of, but they actually made history. The of, but they actually made history. The fact that these women are mentioned by fact that these women are mentioned by fact that these women are mentioned by name, it might not mean much to us name, it might not mean much to us name, it might not mean much to us today. But just consider how many today. But just consider how many today. But just consider how many women's names we actually don't know in women's names we actually don't know in women's names we actually don't know in scripture. We don't know the name of scripture. We don't know the name of scripture. We don't know the name of Lot's wife or Noah's wife or the widow Lot's wife or Noah's wife or the widow Lot's wife or Noah's wife or the widow at Zarapath or the woman who anointed at Zarapath or the woman who anointed at Zarapath or the woman who anointed the feet of Jesus with costly oil or or the feet of Jesus with costly oil or or the feet of Jesus with costly oil or or the woman at the well or the woman with the woman at the well or the woman with the woman at the well or the woman with the issue of blood or or even Peter's the issue of blood or or even Peter's the issue of blood or or even Peter's mother-in-law. We don't know their mother-in-law. We don't know their mother-in-law. We don't know their names, but these five women are names, but these five women are names, but these five women are mentioned by name. four different times mentioned by name. four different times mentioned by name. four different times in scripture, which is absolutely in scripture, which is absolutely in scripture, which is absolutely incredible. They show up five times, but incredible. They show up five times, but incredible. They show up five times, but they're mentioned by name four times. they're mentioned by name four times. they're mentioned by name four times. And right here in chapter 27, we read And right here in chapter 27, we read And right here in chapter 27, we read that Zolafahad, who was a part of the that Zolafahad, who was a part of the that Zolafahad, who was a part of the tribe of Manessa, died in the tribe of Manessa, died in the tribe of Manessa, died in the wilderness, but he had no sons. Now this wilderness, but he had no sons. Now this wilderness, but he had no sons. Now this was a huge problem in this patriarchal was a huge problem in this patriarchal was a huge problem in this patriarchal culture because it meant that his culture because it meant that his culture because it meant that his allotment of land in Canaan, it was allotment of land in Canaan, it was allotment of land in Canaan, it was going to pass on to some other family going to pass on to some other family going to pass on to some other family members rather than remain in his direct members rather than remain in his direct members rather than remain in his direct line. Now in ancient neareastern times line. Now in ancient neareastern times line. Now in ancient neareastern times under the standard inheritance system, a under the standard inheritance system, a under the standard inheritance system, a father's property, it went to his sons.

father's property, it went to his sons. father's property, it went to his sons. Now the firstborn received a double Now the firstborn received a double Now the firstborn received a double portion and the other sons, they each portion and the other sons, they each portion and the other sons, they each received equal single portions. So in received equal single portions. So in received equal single portions. So in principle under the law only sons had a principle under the law only sons had a principle under the law only sons had a right to inherit. Now the bigger issue right to inherit. Now the bigger issue right to inherit. Now the bigger issue was that without any sons to inherit the was that without any sons to inherit the was that without any sons to inherit the land zofahad's name it would be erased land zofahad's name it would be erased land zofahad's name it would be erased from the census register of his clan. So from the census register of his clan. So from the census register of his clan. So basically what that means it would basically what that means it would basically what that means it would remove his household name from the remove his household name from the remove his household name from the inheritance system altogether. So this inheritance system altogether. So this inheritance system altogether. So this threatened not only his own immediate threatened not only his own immediate threatened not only his own immediate family but it threatened potentially the family but it threatened potentially the family but it threatened potentially the whole tribe of Manessa itself and what whole tribe of Manessa itself and what whole tribe of Manessa itself and what would happen is they might have received would happen is they might have received would happen is they might have received diminished land allocation in the diminished land allocation in the diminished land allocation in the promised land because of this. So this promised land because of this. So this promised land because of this. So this had huge covenantal and generational had huge covenantal and generational had huge covenantal and generational implications. Now because desperate implications. Now because desperate implications. Now because desperate times lead to desperate measures times lead to desperate measures times lead to desperate measures Zafahad's daughters they did something Zafahad's daughters they did something Zafahad's daughters they did something really bold. They did something that was really bold. They did something that was really bold. They did something that was so daring and so courageous that they so daring and so courageous that they so daring and so courageous that they came forward to appeal their case in came forward to appeal their case in came forward to appeal their case in front of the sacred tent of meeting. Now front of the sacred tent of meeting. Now front of the sacred tent of meeting. Now they were in the presence of Moses they were in the presence of Moses they were in the presence of Moses Eleaza the priest and the entire Eleaza the priest and the entire Eleaza the priest and the entire community as well as all the leaders. So community as well as all the leaders. So community as well as all the leaders. So they were essentially bringing a test they were essentially bringing a test they were essentially bringing a test case before the highest governing case before the highest governing case before the highest governing authorities of their nation. Now let me authorities of their nation. Now let me authorities of their nation. Now let me give you an example. If this was give you an example. If this was give you an example. If this was happening today, it would be like making happening today, it would be like making happening today, it would be like making an appeal before the president, the vice an appeal before the president, the vice an appeal before the president, the vice president, the cabinet, Congress, or or president, the cabinet, Congress, or or president, the cabinet, Congress, or or even the Supreme Court and requesting

even the Supreme Court and requesting even the Supreme Court and requesting something for which there was no legal something for which there was no legal something for which there was no legal precedent. There was nothing in the precedent. There was nothing in the precedent. There was nothing in the Torah law codes that allowed women to Torah law codes that allowed women to Torah law codes that allowed women to inherit land. When women got married, inherit land. When women got married, inherit land. When women got married, they were given a dowy which gave them they were given a dowy which gave them they were given a dowy which gave them some provision, but they lived on their some provision, but they lived on their some provision, but they lived on their husband's allotted inheritance. So the husband's allotted inheritance. So the husband's allotted inheritance. So the daughters of Zilafahad, they were daughters of Zilafahad, they were daughters of Zilafahad, they were obviously really smart because they obviously really smart because they obviously really smart because they approached Moses, Eleazar and all the approached Moses, Eleazar and all the approached Moses, Eleazar and all the leaders with a brilliant strategy. They leaders with a brilliant strategy. They leaders with a brilliant strategy. They started off by saying, "Our father died started off by saying, "Our father died started off by saying, "Our father died in the wilderness, but he was not among in the wilderness, but he was not among in the wilderness, but he was not among Kora's followers." Now, we talked in Kora's followers." Now, we talked in Kora's followers." Now, we talked in previous weeks about the rebellion of previous weeks about the rebellion of previous weeks about the rebellion of Kora, but he she's saying that he was Kora, but he she's saying that he was Kora, but he she's saying that he was not part of that uprising who gathered not part of that uprising who gathered not part of that uprising who gathered together against the Lord. Instead, he together against the Lord. Instead, he together against the Lord. Instead, he died because of his own sin. So right died because of his own sin. So right died because of his own sin. So right there, right at the start of their there, right at the start of their there, right at the start of their argument, they emphasized that their argument, they emphasized that their argument, they emphasized that their father had not participated in Kora's father had not participated in Kora's father had not participated in Kora's rebellion against the Lord, but that rebellion against the Lord, but that rebellion against the Lord, but that their father had died like everybody their father had died like everybody their father had died like everybody else who had come out of Egypt, except else who had come out of Egypt, except else who had come out of Egypt, except for Joshua, Caleb, and Moses, of course.

for Joshua, Caleb, and Moses, of course. for Joshua, Caleb, and Moses, of course. They were saying that he was not part of They were saying that he was not part of They were saying that he was not part of the rebellion, and so their father's the rebellion, and so their father's the rebellion, and so their father's name and his lineage should not be cut name and his lineage should not be cut name and his lineage should not be cut off from his clan just because he had no off from his clan just because he had no off from his clan just because he had no son. So they boldly asked for their son. So they boldly asked for their son. So they boldly asked for their father's inheritance to be given to father's inheritance to be given to father's inheritance to be given to them. something that was unheard of in them. something that was unheard of in them. something that was unheard of in this time. Now, they had to have been this time. Now, they had to have been this time. Now, they had to have been profoundly persuasive because Moses profoundly persuasive because Moses profoundly persuasive because Moses actually brought their case before the actually brought their case before the actually brought their case before the Lord. Now, you know, in our work of Lord. Now, you know, in our work of Lord. Now, you know, in our work of helping to rescue the victims of human helping to rescue the victims of human helping to rescue the victims of human trafficking and advocating for them trafficking and advocating for them trafficking and advocating for them around the world, there there have been around the world, there there have been around the world, there there have been a lot of times at A21 over the past 18 a lot of times at A21 over the past 18 a lot of times at A21 over the past 18 years where we have had to boldly ask years where we have had to boldly ask years where we have had to boldly ask the authorities in different nations to the authorities in different nations to the authorities in different nations to to implement victim protection to implement victim protection to implement victim protection provisions that they may have never ever provisions that they may have never ever provisions that they may have never ever have done before. I it's an issue of have done before. I it's an issue of have done before. I it's an issue of justice. Now, in a very recent case just justice. Now, in a very recent case just justice. Now, in a very recent case just a few weeks ago in Greece, we advocated a few weeks ago in Greece, we advocated a few weeks ago in Greece, we advocated for the testimony of a victim to be for the testimony of a victim to be for the testimony of a victim to be accepted via video. Now, normally the accepted via video. Now, normally the accepted via video. Now, normally the victim has to be physically present in victim has to be physically present in victim has to be physically present in court to testify against a trafficker.

court to testify against a trafficker. court to testify against a trafficker. Now, for this particular case, we went Now, for this particular case, we went Now, for this particular case, we went to the highest authorities, the highest to the highest authorities, the highest to the highest authorities, the highest court in Greece to request the admission court in Greece to request the admission court in Greece to request the admission of a video testimony. And in this case, of a video testimony. And in this case, of a video testimony. And in this case, because the police authorities, they had because the police authorities, they had because the police authorities, they had the necessary means to properly record the necessary means to properly record the necessary means to properly record the survivor's testimony and the the survivor's testimony and the the survivor's testimony and the criminal court was likewise equipped to criminal court was likewise equipped to criminal court was likewise equipped to admit and examine the evidence during admit and examine the evidence during admit and examine the evidence during the hearing. They admitted this as the hearing. They admitted this as the hearing. They admitted this as evidence and they took a recorded evidence and they took a recorded evidence and they took a recorded statement from the trafficking victim. statement from the trafficking victim. statement from the trafficking victim. This was the very first case in Greece's This was the very first case in Greece's This was the very first case in Greece's history in which the court has fully history in which the court has fully history in which the court has fully implemented the full range of victim implemented the full range of victim implemented the full range of victim protection provisions provided for under protection provisions provided for under protection provisions provided for under the criminal procedure code. So this now the criminal procedure code. So this now the criminal procedure code. So this now sets a precedent for future victims in sets a precedent for future victims in sets a precedent for future victims in Greece and they're able to use this same Greece and they're able to use this same Greece and they're able to use this same protection which is a huge breakthrough protection which is a huge breakthrough protection which is a huge breakthrough in the fight against trafficking. So the in the fight against trafficking. So the in the fight against trafficking. So the point of me telling you this is that point of me telling you this is that point of me telling you this is that some things are never going to change some things are never going to change some things are never going to change and justice will not prevail if we do and justice will not prevail if we do and justice will not prevail if we do not have the faith to ask and the not have the faith to ask and the not have the faith to ask and the courage to follow through. You see the courage to follow through. You see the courage to follow through. You see the daughters of Zilafahad, they asked for daughters of Zilafahad, they asked for daughters of Zilafahad, they asked for something that had no precedent. They something that had no precedent. They something that had no precedent. They wanted an unjust situation addressed and wanted an unjust situation addressed and wanted an unjust situation addressed and because they did Moses went to the Lord because they did Moses went to the Lord because they did Moses went to the Lord who replied, "What Zilafahed's daughter who replied, "What Zilafahed's daughter who replied, "What Zilafahed's daughter say is correct. You had to give them say is correct. You had to give them say is correct. You had to give them hereditary property among their father's hereditary property among their father's hereditary property among their father's brothers and transfer their father's brothers and transfer their father's brothers and transfer their father's inheritance to them. So it seems that inheritance to them. So it seems that inheritance to them. So it seems that God was just waiting for someone to ask.

God was just waiting for someone to ask. God was just waiting for someone to ask. And by petitioning for inheritance And by petitioning for inheritance And by petitioning for inheritance rights, the daughters of Zofahad, they rights, the daughters of Zofahad, they rights, the daughters of Zofahad, they not only received the inheritance, they not only received the inheritance, they not only received the inheritance, they succeeded in establishing a legal succeeded in establishing a legal succeeded in establishing a legal precedent. In verse 8, we read, "Tell precedent. In verse 8, we read, "Tell precedent. In verse 8, we read, "Tell the Israelites, when a man dies without the Israelites, when a man dies without the Israelites, when a man dies without having a son, transfer his inheritance having a son, transfer his inheritance having a son, transfer his inheritance to his daughter." Now, this was the to his daughter." Now, this was the to his daughter." Now, this was the moment in which history was actually moment in which history was actually moment in which history was actually made. The faith that these five sisters made. The faith that these five sisters made. The faith that these five sisters demonstrated, it was absolutely demonstrated, it was absolutely demonstrated, it was absolutely remarkable. Now, can you even begin to remarkable. Now, can you even begin to remarkable. Now, can you even begin to imagine how much fear they had to imagine how much fear they had to imagine how much fear they had to overcome to approach Moses and the overcome to approach Moses and the overcome to approach Moses and the entire assembly just so that they could entire assembly just so that they could entire assembly just so that they could present their case at the tent of present their case at the tent of present their case at the tent of meeting? They they had to have more meeting? They they had to have more meeting? They they had to have more faith in the character of God than they faith in the character of God than they faith in the character of God than they had in the Torah law codes or the had in the Torah law codes or the had in the Torah law codes or the response of the people. You see, there's response of the people. You see, there's response of the people. You see, there's no doubt that some people would have no doubt that some people would have no doubt that some people would have thought that these women had lost their thought that these women had lost their thought that these women had lost their minds. Now, others would have thought minds. Now, others would have thought minds. Now, others would have thought they're so presumptuous and they're so presumptuous and they're so presumptuous and disrespectful of their cultural norms disrespectful of their cultural norms disrespectful of their cultural norms and traditions, and these women could and traditions, and these women could and traditions, and these women could have just simply accepted the status have just simply accepted the status have just simply accepted the status quo, but instead they wanted to implore quo, but instead they wanted to implore quo, but instead they wanted to implore the God of justice to administer his the God of justice to administer his the God of justice to administer his justice. And because they did, history justice. And because they did, history justice. And because they did, history was literally made. The truth is, if you was literally made. The truth is, if you was literally made. The truth is, if you and I are going to possess our and I are going to possess our and I are going to possess our inheritance in Christ, then we are going inheritance in Christ, then we are going inheritance in Christ, then we are going to have to be bold and courageous like to have to be bold and courageous like to have to be bold and courageous like the daughters of Zilafa had their the daughters of Zilafa had their the daughters of Zilafa had their persistence should inspire you and me to

persistence should inspire you and me to persistence should inspire you and me to not give up on the promises of God for not give up on the promises of God for not give up on the promises of God for our own lives. But to dare to believe our own lives. But to dare to believe our own lives. But to dare to believe that God is who he says he is and he can that God is who he says he is and he can that God is who he says he is and he can do all he says that he can do. In do all he says that he can do. In do all he says that he can do. In Hebrews 4:16, we read, "Therefore, let Hebrews 4:16, we read, "Therefore, let Hebrews 4:16, we read, "Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with us approach the throne of grace with us approach the throne of grace with boldness so that we may receive mercy boldness so that we may receive mercy boldness so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of and find grace to help us in our time of and find grace to help us in our time of need." You know, I love this verse need." You know, I love this verse need." You know, I love this verse because it reminds us that we can because it reminds us that we can because it reminds us that we can approach God's throne boldly because of approach God's throne boldly because of approach God's throne boldly because of the finished work of Jesus Christ on the the finished work of Jesus Christ on the the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. his sinlessness and his victory cross. his sinlessness and his victory cross. his sinlessness and his victory at Calvary provide the foundation for at Calvary provide the foundation for at Calvary provide the foundation for this boldness that the writer of Hebrews this boldness that the writer of Hebrews this boldness that the writer of Hebrews speaks about. He He is risen and he has speaks about. He He is risen and he has speaks about. He He is risen and he has justified us by his righteousness. Jesus justified us by his righteousness. Jesus justified us by his righteousness. Jesus has satisfied God's justice through his has satisfied God's justice through his has satisfied God's justice through his sacrifice. So you and I, we don't need sacrifice. So you and I, we don't need sacrifice. So you and I, we don't need to fear condemnation when we approach to fear condemnation when we approach to fear condemnation when we approach the throne of God. We are invited into the throne of God. We are invited into the throne of God. We are invited into the throne of grace. It's not the throne the throne of grace. It's not the throne the throne of grace. It's not the throne of judgment. Never forget that in Jesus of judgment. Never forget that in Jesus of judgment. Never forget that in Jesus we have a great high priest who we have a great high priest who we have a great high priest who intercedes on our behalf and who intercedes on our behalf and who intercedes on our behalf and who sympathizes with our weaknesses. You see sympathizes with our weaknesses. You see sympathizes with our weaknesses. You see this is why we can approach the throne this is why we can approach the throne this is why we can approach the throne of grace with just unguarded confidence of grace with just unguarded confidence of grace with just unguarded confidence and freedom instead of fear or shame or and freedom instead of fear or shame or and freedom instead of fear or shame or hesitation.

hesitation. hesitation. You and I can walk in there with You and I can walk in there with You and I can walk in there with boldness. It's also why we can fully boldness. It's also why we can fully boldness. It's also why we can fully trust in the reliability of the promises trust in the reliability of the promises trust in the reliability of the promises of God. You know, one of the things I of God. You know, one of the things I of God. You know, one of the things I love the most in life is he's watching love the most in life is he's watching love the most in life is he's watching my daughters Katherine and Sophia my daughters Katherine and Sophia my daughters Katherine and Sophia interact with Nick. You know, never once interact with Nick. You know, never once interact with Nick. You know, never once have I ever seen either of my girls have I ever seen either of my girls have I ever seen either of my girls crawl down the hallway in shame on all crawl down the hallway in shame on all crawl down the hallway in shame on all fours and and beg Nick for permission to fours and and beg Nick for permission to fours and and beg Nick for permission to come into his presence. You know, our come into his presence. You know, our come into his presence. You know, our girls very appropriately interrupt girls very appropriately interrupt girls very appropriately interrupt anything that's going on and and they anything that's going on and and they anything that's going on and and they boldly and confidently and freely go up boldly and confidently and freely go up boldly and confidently and freely go up to their dad. In fact, our youngest is to their dad. In fact, our youngest is to their dad. In fact, our youngest is studying in Paris, France. And I can studying in Paris, France. And I can studying in Paris, France. And I can tell you when she wants something from tell you when she wants something from tell you when she wants something from her dad, she doesn't stop and check her dad, she doesn't stop and check her dad, she doesn't stop and check what's the time in America before she what's the time in America before she what's the time in America before she calls. She just picks up that phone and calls. She just picks up that phone and calls. She just picks up that phone and she calls her dad and she boldly makes she calls her dad and she boldly makes she calls her dad and she boldly makes her request. Even if it's 1:00 a.m. in her request. Even if it's 1:00 a.m. in her request. Even if it's 1:00 a.m. in the morning and he's sound asleep, she the morning and he's sound asleep, she the morning and he's sound asleep, she is so confident in her father's love and is so confident in her father's love and is so confident in her father's love and the fact that he loves to hear from her the fact that he loves to hear from her the fact that he loves to hear from her any time of the day or night that she any time of the day or night that she any time of the day or night that she boldly enters into whatever space he is boldly enters into whatever space he is boldly enters into whatever space he is and makes her request known to him. Now, and makes her request known to him. Now, and makes her request known to him. Now, I'm not saying that Sophia always gets I'm not saying that Sophia always gets I'm not saying that Sophia always gets what she wants. But I am saying she what she wants. But I am saying she what she wants. But I am saying she never misses an opportunity to boldly never misses an opportunity to boldly never misses an opportunity to boldly come to Nick and ask. You know, so come to Nick and ask. You know, so come to Nick and ask. You know, so often, so many of us, we have not often, so many of us, we have not often, so many of us, we have not because we ask not. And I wonder if because we ask not. And I wonder if because we ask not. And I wonder if there might be any area in your life there might be any area in your life there might be any area in your life today, in your family, in your personal

today, in your family, in your personal today, in your family, in your personal life where you've not come boldly into life where you've not come boldly into life where you've not come boldly into the throne of God's grace and made a the throne of God's grace and made a the throne of God's grace and made a request in faith according to his word request in faith according to his word request in faith according to his word and in the name of Jesus simply because and in the name of Jesus simply because and in the name of Jesus simply because maybe you didn't know that you could or maybe you didn't know that you could or maybe you didn't know that you could or or perhaps you haven't felt worthy to go or perhaps you haven't felt worthy to go or perhaps you haven't felt worthy to go to God because of just where life's been to God because of just where life's been to God because of just where life's been at or because you thought he might be at or because you thought he might be at or because you thought he might be too busy fixing the problems of the too busy fixing the problems of the too busy fixing the problems of the universe. universe. universe. to worry about your problems. Or maybe to worry about your problems. Or maybe to worry about your problems. Or maybe you just feel disappointed because you just feel disappointed because you just feel disappointed because somewhere you did go and pray and ask somewhere you did go and pray and ask somewhere you did go and pray and ask God and you didn't get the outcome that God and you didn't get the outcome that God and you didn't get the outcome that you desired. So, you've really given up you desired. So, you've really given up you desired. So, you've really given up on really believing God. I I just want on really believing God. I I just want on really believing God. I I just want to encourage you today to go again to to encourage you today to go again to to encourage you today to go again to bring all of your requests and petitions bring all of your requests and petitions bring all of your requests and petitions to God and trust that he really does to God and trust that he really does to God and trust that he really does hear you and he really does see you and hear you and he really does see you and hear you and he really does see you and he really does care about you. I want to he really does care about you. I want to he really does care about you. I want to remind you today that if it matters to remind you today that if it matters to remind you today that if it matters to you, it matters to God. I want to remind you, it matters to God. I want to remind you, it matters to God. I want to remind you that according to Romans chapter 8 you that according to Romans chapter 8 you that according to Romans chapter 8 verse 17, as children of God, we are verse 17, as children of God, we are verse 17, as children of God, we are also hes of God and co-airs with Christ also hes of God and co-airs with Christ also hes of God and co-airs with Christ Jesus. Our promised ultimate inheritance Jesus. Our promised ultimate inheritance Jesus. Our promised ultimate inheritance of course is even better than that of of course is even better than that of of course is even better than that of the daughters of Zilopahad. Because in the daughters of Zilopahad. Because in the daughters of Zilopahad. Because in Christ, we don't just receive land, but Christ, we don't just receive land, but Christ, we don't just receive land, but we have an eternal home. And also while we have an eternal home. And also while we have an eternal home. And also while we're here on planet earth living as we're here on planet earth living as we're here on planet earth living as followers of Jesus, Paul writes in 2 followers of Jesus, Paul writes in 2 followers of Jesus, Paul writes in 2 Corinthians chapter 1 vers20 that Corinthians chapter 1 vers20 that Corinthians chapter 1 vers20 that everyone of God's promises is yes in everyone of God's promises is yes in everyone of God's promises is yes in him. Therefore through him we also say

him. Therefore through him we also say him. Therefore through him we also say amen to the glory of God. So since all amen to the glory of God. So since all amen to the glory of God. So since all God has promised finds its fulfillment God has promised finds its fulfillment God has promised finds its fulfillment through Jesus, then if we are in Christ, through Jesus, then if we are in Christ, through Jesus, then if we are in Christ, we can go to God in prayer and access we can go to God in prayer and access we can go to God in prayer and access our spiritual inheritance believing that our spiritual inheritance believing that our spiritual inheritance believing that God does and will keep his promises. I God does and will keep his promises. I God does and will keep his promises. I want to remind you today that he has want to remind you today that he has want to remind you today that he has promised to never leave us or forsake promised to never leave us or forsake promised to never leave us or forsake us. He has promised to give us peace, to us. He has promised to give us peace, to us. He has promised to give us peace, to give us hope, to give us joy, to give us give us hope, to give us joy, to give us give us hope, to give us joy, to give us provision, to give us protection. that provision, to give us protection. that provision, to give us protection. that Jesus Christ still saves the lost, Jesus Christ still saves the lost, Jesus Christ still saves the lost, restores broken relationships, he can restores broken relationships, he can restores broken relationships, he can heal broken hearts, and weave all things heal broken hearts, and weave all things heal broken hearts, and weave all things together for our good and for his glory. together for our good and for his glory. together for our good and for his glory. And so many more promises are in the And so many more promises are in the And so many more promises are in the word of God. So the question for you and word of God. So the question for you and word of God. So the question for you and I today is, are we contending for our I today is, are we contending for our I today is, are we contending for our spiritual inheritance? When was the last spiritual inheritance? When was the last spiritual inheritance? When was the last time that you boldly entered into the time that you boldly entered into the time that you boldly entered into the throne room of God by faith and throne room of God by faith and throne room of God by faith and contended for his promises over your contended for his promises over your contended for his promises over your life, over your family's life, over your life, over your family's life, over your life, over your family's life, over your future? When did you last say amen to future? When did you last say amen to future? When did you last say amen to the glory of God in prayer? not not just the glory of God in prayer? not not just the glory of God in prayer? not not just passively kind of going through the passively kind of going through the passively kind of going through the motions and just agreeing in theory with motions and just agreeing in theory with motions and just agreeing in theory with the promises of God in scripture, but the promises of God in scripture, but the promises of God in scripture, but affirming them in your heart in a in a affirming them in your heart in a in a affirming them in your heart in a in a really participatory way where you really participatory way where you really participatory way where you really believe that God is who he says really believe that God is who he says really believe that God is who he says he is and God can and will do what he he is and God can and will do what he he is and God can and will do what he says he can do. You see, the daughters says he can do. You see, the daughters says he can do. You see, the daughters of Zilafad, they receive their of Zilafad, they receive their of Zilafad, they receive their inheritance by faith. They had much more inheritance by faith. They had much more inheritance by faith. They had much more faith than the 12 leaders in Numbers

faith than the 12 leaders in Numbers faith than the 12 leaders in Numbers chapter 13. You might remember in chapter 13. You might remember in chapter 13. You might remember in earlier on in our series, we talked earlier on in our series, we talked earlier on in our series, we talked about that they went in to spy out the about that they went in to spy out the about that they went in to spy out the promised land. Well, those leaders promised land. Well, those leaders promised land. Well, those leaders actually they had seen the promised actually they had seen the promised actually they had seen the promised land. They had tasted the fruit of the land. They had tasted the fruit of the land. They had tasted the fruit of the promised land. They held the fruit of promised land. They held the fruit of promised land. They held the fruit of the promised land in their hands. But the promised land in their hands. But the promised land in their hands. But instead of believing God, they allowed instead of believing God, they allowed instead of believing God, they allowed fear and doubt to keep them from fear and doubt to keep them from fear and doubt to keep them from receiving their inheritance. So, they receiving their inheritance. So, they receiving their inheritance. So, they lost their inheritance because they had lost their inheritance because they had lost their inheritance because they had a lack of faith. In contrast, these five a lack of faith. In contrast, these five a lack of faith. In contrast, these five sisters who were living in a patriarchal sisters who were living in a patriarchal sisters who were living in a patriarchal system that they didn't build and in system that they didn't build and in system that they didn't build and in which they had few rights that they which they had few rights that they which they had few rights that they could have just accepted the prevailing could have just accepted the prevailing could have just accepted the prevailing cultural norms and ended up with cultural norms and ended up with cultural norms and ended up with nothing. Instead, they took a step of nothing. Instead, they took a step of nothing. Instead, they took a step of faith and they not only ended up with an faith and they not only ended up with an faith and they not only ended up with an inheritance themselves, but they inheritance themselves, but they inheritance themselves, but they established a precedent for future established a precedent for future established a precedent for future generations. It is so important to generations. It is so important to generations. It is so important to remember that the faith and courage we remember that the faith and courage we remember that the faith and courage we display today will impact future display today will impact future display today will impact future generations. Our children and our generations. Our children and our generations. Our children and our children's children. The faith we walk children's children. The faith we walk children's children. The faith we walk in today opens doors for us tomorrow.

in today opens doors for us tomorrow. in today opens doors for us tomorrow. The courage you display today may open The courage you display today may open The courage you display today may open doors for people that you will never doors for people that you will never doors for people that you will never meet. And as we have seen in this story, meet. And as we have seen in this story, meet. And as we have seen in this story, one moment of faithful action can change one moment of faithful action can change one moment of faithful action can change generations. You see, God can and will generations. You see, God can and will generations. You see, God can and will use anyone to outwork his purposes on use anyone to outwork his purposes on use anyone to outwork his purposes on the earth if we're willing and if we are the earth if we're willing and if we are the earth if we're willing and if we are courageous. God not only did not not courageous. God not only did not not courageous. God not only did not not overlook the daughters of Zilafad, he overlook the daughters of Zilafad, he overlook the daughters of Zilafad, he used them to establish a legal precedent used them to establish a legal precedent used them to establish a legal precedent in Israel. Now this powerful story, it in Israel. Now this powerful story, it in Israel. Now this powerful story, it occupies a position of great importance occupies a position of great importance occupies a position of great importance in the book of numbers. The daughters of in the book of numbers. The daughters of in the book of numbers. The daughters of Zilofah had actually frame the entire Zilofah had actually frame the entire Zilofah had actually frame the entire final section of the book of numbers and final section of the book of numbers and final section of the book of numbers and this narrative creates what scholars this narrative creates what scholars this narrative creates what scholars call an inclusio. Basically what that is call an inclusio. Basically what that is call an inclusio. Basically what that is is a literary bookend that gives is a literary bookend that gives is a literary bookend that gives coherence to everything in between. So coherence to everything in between. So coherence to everything in between. So in chapter 26, we see these women first in chapter 26, we see these women first in chapter 26, we see these women first mentioned by name. And then we saw in mentioned by name. And then we saw in mentioned by name. And then we saw in chapter 27, we see their bold claim for chapter 27, we see their bold claim for chapter 27, we see their bold claim for their father's inheritance. And right at their father's inheritance. And right at their father's inheritance. And right at the end in chapter 36, Moses formulates the end in chapter 36, Moses formulates the end in chapter 36, Moses formulates a law dealing with the challenge created a law dealing with the challenge created a law dealing with the challenge created when the women actually won their court when the women actually won their court when the women actually won their court case in chapter 27. So the new law would case in chapter 27. So the new law would case in chapter 27. So the new law would require female land owners to marry only require female land owners to marry only require female land owners to marry only within their tribe so that the ancestral within their tribe so that the ancestral within their tribe so that the ancestral property remains within the tribe that property remains within the tribe that property remains within the tribe that originally inherited it. So we read in originally inherited it. So we read in originally inherited it. So we read in numbers 36 6 to12. This is what the Lord

numbers 36 6 to12. This is what the Lord numbers 36 6 to12. This is what the Lord has commanded concerning Zofahad's has commanded concerning Zofahad's has commanded concerning Zofahad's daughters. They may marry anyone they daughters. They may marry anyone they daughters. They may marry anyone they like provided they marry within a clan like provided they marry within a clan like provided they marry within a clan of their ancestral tribe. No inheritance of their ancestral tribe. No inheritance of their ancestral tribe. No inheritance belonging to the Israelites is to belonging to the Israelites is to belonging to the Israelites is to transfer from tribe to tribe because transfer from tribe to tribe because transfer from tribe to tribe because each of the Israelites is to retain the each of the Israelites is to retain the each of the Israelites is to retain the inheritance of his ancestral tribe. Any inheritance of his ancestral tribe. Any inheritance of his ancestral tribe. Any daughter who possesses an inheritance daughter who possesses an inheritance daughter who possesses an inheritance from an Israelite tribe must marry from an Israelite tribe must marry from an Israelite tribe must marry someone from the clan of her ancestral someone from the clan of her ancestral someone from the clan of her ancestral tribe so that each of the Israelites tribe so that each of the Israelites tribe so that each of the Israelites will possess the inheritance of his will possess the inheritance of his will possess the inheritance of his fathers. No inheritance is to transfer fathers. No inheritance is to transfer fathers. No inheritance is to transfer from one tribe to another because each from one tribe to another because each from one tribe to another because each of the Israelite tribes is to retain its of the Israelite tribes is to retain its of the Israelite tribes is to retain its inheritance. The daughters of Zilofahad inheritance. The daughters of Zilofahad inheritance. The daughters of Zilofahad did exactly as the Lord commanded Moses. did exactly as the Lord commanded Moses. did exactly as the Lord commanded Moses. Somala, Tza, Hogla, Mila, and Noah. The Somala, Tza, Hogla, Mila, and Noah. The Somala, Tza, Hogla, Mila, and Noah. The daughters of Zilofahad, they married daughters of Zilofahad, they married daughters of Zilofahad, they married cousins on their father's side. They cousins on their father's side. They cousins on their father's side. They married men from the clans of the married men from the clans of the married men from the clans of the descendants of Manessa's son of Joseph.

descendants of Manessa's son of Joseph. descendants of Manessa's son of Joseph. and their inheritance remained within and their inheritance remained within and their inheritance remained within the tribe of their father's clan. Okay. the tribe of their father's clan. Okay. the tribe of their father's clan. Okay. So although this might seem a little So although this might seem a little So although this might seem a little strange to us in the 21st century, we strange to us in the 21st century, we strange to us in the 21st century, we need to remember that at this time in need to remember that at this time in need to remember that at this time in ancient neareastern culture, the land ancient neareastern culture, the land ancient neareastern culture, the land itself carried covenantal significance. itself carried covenantal significance. itself carried covenantal significance. It was God who had given it as an It was God who had given it as an It was God who had given it as an inheritance to his people. So there inheritance to his people. So there inheritance to his people. So there could be no reduction in the land could be no reduction in the land could be no reduction in the land aortion to each of the 12 tribes. I aortion to each of the 12 tribes. I aortion to each of the 12 tribes. I mean, no one was going to mess with mean, no one was going to mess with mean, no one was going to mess with God's allotments. So, the law formulated God's allotments. So, the law formulated God's allotments. So, the law formulated in chapter 36 actually illustrates that in chapter 36 actually illustrates that in chapter 36 actually illustrates that God's justice, it can accommodate two God's justice, it can accommodate two God's justice, it can accommodate two two competing concerns. You see, when two competing concerns. You see, when two competing concerns. You see, when the daughters uh inheritance threatened the daughters uh inheritance threatened the daughters uh inheritance threatened to transfer tribal land boundaries, God to transfer tribal land boundaries, God to transfer tribal land boundaries, God allowed them to inherit, but required allowed them to inherit, but required allowed them to inherit, but required they marry within their ancestral tribe they marry within their ancestral tribe they marry within their ancestral tribe to preserve tribal land integrity, which to preserve tribal land integrity, which to preserve tribal land integrity, which all five daughters of Lafa had. They did all five daughters of Lafa had. They did all five daughters of Lafa had. They did that. So this is a masterclass and God's that. So this is a masterclass and God's that. So this is a masterclass and God's given us that in balancing individual given us that in balancing individual given us that in balancing individual rights against communal stability and we rights against communal stability and we rights against communal stability and we need both for a flourishing society. So need both for a flourishing society. So need both for a flourishing society. So the daughters of Salafahad, they the daughters of Salafahad, they the daughters of Salafahad, they displayed a boldness that literally displayed a boldness that literally displayed a boldness that literally changed the course of history. They took changed the course of history. They took changed the course of history. They took a risk. They stepped out in faith. They a risk. They stepped out in faith. They a risk. They stepped out in faith. They defied the cultural and societal norms defied the cultural and societal norms defied the cultural and societal norms of their day. and they ended up gaining of their day. and they ended up gaining of their day. and they ended up gaining their inheritance, setting a legal their inheritance, setting a legal their inheritance, setting a legal precedent, and making history. In fact, precedent, and making history. In fact, precedent, and making history. In fact, on February the 13th, the year 1900,

on February the 13th, the year 1900, on February the 13th, the year 1900, 84year-old Elizabeth Katie Stanton, a 84year-old Elizabeth Katie Stanton, a 84year-old Elizabeth Katie Stanton, a prominent American suffragette, she prominent American suffragette, she prominent American suffragette, she cited the daughters of Zilofahad while cited the daughters of Zilofahad while cited the daughters of Zilofahad while petitioning the House of Representatives petitioning the House of Representatives petitioning the House of Representatives for the women's right to vote. She for the women's right to vote. She for the women's right to vote. She wrote, and now I'm directly quoting, wrote, and now I'm directly quoting, wrote, and now I'm directly quoting, "Honorable gentlemen, in reading the "Honorable gentlemen, in reading the "Honorable gentlemen, in reading the speeches made in Congress, I notice speeches made in Congress, I notice speeches made in Congress, I notice frequent references made to biblical frequent references made to biblical frequent references made to biblical texts and to what the great creator of texts and to what the great creator of texts and to what the great creator of the universe commands." If the members the universe commands." If the members the universe commands." If the members of this committee believe in an of this committee believe in an of this committee believe in an overruling providence and his revealed overruling providence and his revealed overruling providence and his revealed will, I would refer them to what the will, I would refer them to what the will, I would refer them to what the Lord said through Moses when the five Lord said through Moses when the five Lord said through Moses when the five daughters of Zolofahad appeared before daughters of Zolofahad appeared before daughters of Zolofahad appeared before the Jewish Congress in their capital. the Jewish Congress in their capital. the Jewish Congress in their capital. The sacred historian in the 27th chapter The sacred historian in the 27th chapter The sacred historian in the 27th chapter of Numbers tells us that these ladies of Numbers tells us that these ladies of Numbers tells us that these ladies were remarkably well-developed specimens were remarkably well-developed specimens were remarkably well-developed specimens of womanhood. Don't you love that? and of womanhood. Don't you love that? and of womanhood. Don't you love that? and very eloquent in their appeals for their very eloquent in their appeals for their very eloquent in their appeals for their civil rights. They made such an civil rights. They made such an civil rights. They made such an impression on Moses that he immediately impression on Moses that he immediately impression on Moses that he immediately retired alone and laid their case before retired alone and laid their case before retired alone and laid their case before the Lord who said, "The daughters of the Lord who said, "The daughters of the Lord who said, "The daughters of Zilofahad speak right. Thou shalt surely Zilofahad speak right. Thou shalt surely Zilofahad speak right. Thou shalt surely give them possession of their give them possession of their give them possession of their inheritance." I told you these women inheritance." I told you these women inheritance." I told you these women made history and helped women get this made history and helped women get this made history and helped women get this get the vote right here in America. And get the vote right here in America. And get the vote right here in America. And for those of us that are in Christ for those of us that are in Christ for those of us that are in Christ today, you and I are hes to the promises

today, you and I are hes to the promises today, you and I are hes to the promises of God which are in Christ Jesus. Yes. of God which are in Christ Jesus. Yes. of God which are in Christ Jesus. Yes. And amen. So, it's time for us to step And amen. So, it's time for us to step And amen. So, it's time for us to step boldly into our inheritance. So, let's boldly into our inheritance. So, let's boldly into our inheritance. So, let's embrace our purpose. Let's walk in faith embrace our purpose. Let's walk in faith embrace our purpose. Let's walk in faith and make a difference in our spheres of and make a difference in our spheres of and make a difference in our spheres of influence for the glory of God on this influence for the glory of God on this influence for the glory of God on this earth. You know our courage church earth. You know our courage church earth. You know our courage church displayed today. It can literally have a displayed today. It can literally have a displayed today. It can literally have a profound impact on the generations that profound impact on the generations that profound impact on the generations that are still to come in Jesus' name. Amen. are still to come in Jesus' name. Amen. are still to come in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. You know church, we just heard how Amen. You know church, we just heard how Amen. You know church, we just heard how the daughters of Zolof had approached the daughters of Zolof had approached the daughters of Zolof had approached the tent of meeting with a boldness they the tent of meeting with a boldness they the tent of meeting with a boldness they actually had no legal right to. And God actually had no legal right to. And God actually had no legal right to. And God met them right there. In the book of met them right there. In the book of met them right there. In the book of Hebrews, the writer tells us that we get Hebrews, the writer tells us that we get Hebrews, the writer tells us that we get to approach an even greater throne with to approach an even greater throne with to approach an even greater throne with that same boldness, the throne of grace. that same boldness, the throne of grace. that same boldness, the throne of grace. And that is only possible because of And that is only possible because of And that is only possible because of what Jesus Christ did for us at Calvary. what Jesus Christ did for us at Calvary. what Jesus Christ did for us at Calvary. He died in our place to redeem us He died in our place to redeem us He died in our place to redeem us forever so that we may come to his table forever so that we may come to his table forever so that we may come to his table with confidence. You know on the night with confidence. You know on the night with confidence. You know on the night that Jesus was betrayed by his that Jesus was betrayed by his that Jesus was betrayed by his disciples, he took this bread and said, disciples, he took this bread and said, disciples, he took this bread and said, "This is my body which is has been given "This is my body which is has been given "This is my body which is has been given for you." On the cross, Jesus took on for you." On the cross, Jesus took on for you." On the cross, Jesus took on the punishment that was due to us by the punishment that was due to us by the punishment that was due to us by bearing the full weight of our sin. He bearing the full weight of our sin. He bearing the full weight of our sin. He was beaten and bruised and scarred. By was beaten and bruised and scarred. By was beaten and bruised and scarred. By his stripes, we are healed.

his stripes, we are healed. his stripes, we are healed. Jesus led his disciples in the taking of Jesus led his disciples in the taking of Jesus led his disciples in the taking of this bread and said, "Do this in this bread and said, "Do this in this bread and said, "Do this in remembrance of me. Take and eat." He then gave thanks and offered them the He then gave thanks and offered them the cup and he said, "This is my blood which cup and he said, "This is my blood which cup and he said, "This is my blood which seals the covenant between God and his seals the covenant between God and his seals the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out to forgive the people. It is poured out to forgive the people. It is poured out to forgive the sins of many. Because Jesus shed his sins of many. Because Jesus shed his sins of many. Because Jesus shed his precious blood, you and I have been precious blood, you and I have been precious blood, you and I have been given the forgiveness of our sins. His given the forgiveness of our sins. His given the forgiveness of our sins. His blood covers over the sins that you and blood covers over the sins that you and blood covers over the sins that you and I have committed and will commit in the I have committed and will commit in the I have committed and will commit in the future. Jesus is the perfect sacrifice future. Jesus is the perfect sacrifice future. Jesus is the perfect sacrifice now and forever. So we take this cup and now and forever. So we take this cup and now and forever. So we take this cup and we drink and we do this in remembrance we drink and we do this in remembrance we drink and we do this in remembrance of him.

church. After the disciples took church. After the disciples took communion, the Bible says that they communion, the Bible says that they communion, the Bible says that they sang. And you know, the more I follow sang. And you know, the more I follow sang. And you know, the more I follow Jesus and the more I learn about his Jesus and the more I learn about his Jesus and the more I learn about his great love for me, the more this great love for me, the more this great love for me, the more this response from the disciples makes response from the disciples makes response from the disciples makes absolute sense to me. Our sins have been absolute sense to me. Our sins have been absolute sense to me. Our sins have been forgiven. And you and I are no longer forgiven. And you and I are no longer forgiven. And you and I are no longer condemned, but we have been saved. And condemned, but we have been saved. And condemned, but we have been saved. And you know, one day we will join Jesus in you know, one day we will join Jesus in you know, one day we will join Jesus in glory. But until that day, we do exactly glory. But until that day, we do exactly glory. But until that day, we do exactly as the disciples did and we respond in as the disciples did and we respond in as the disciples did and we respond in singing and offering our lives to Jesus singing and offering our lives to Jesus singing and offering our lives to Jesus with total gratitude. So let us sing of with total gratitude. So let us sing of with total gratitude. So let us sing of all that he has done and all that he is. And I cast my mind And I cast my mind to Calary to Calary to Calary where Jesus bled where Jesus bled where Jesus bled and he died for me.

and he died for me. and he died for me. And I see his wounds in his hands, his And I see his wounds in his hands, his And I see his wounds in his hands, his feet. feet. feet. And my savior on And my savior on And my savior on that cursed tree and his body bow and his body bow and drenched in tears and drenched in tears and drenched in tears and they laid him down and they laid him down and they laid him down and angels to and angels to and angels to in the entrance seal in the entrance seal in the entrance seal and by heavy stone and by heavy stone and by heavy stone and Messiah still and Messiah still and Messiah still and all alone. and all alone. and all alone. So we give him praise today So we give him praise today So we give him praise today and oh praise the name and of the Lord and oh praise the name and of the Lord and oh praise the name and of the Lord our God and oh praise his name and our God and oh praise his name and our God and oh praise his name and forever forever forever more and for endless days we will sing more and for endless days we will sing more and for endless days we will sing your praise.

your praise. your praise. Oh Lord. No Lord our God. And on that third And on that third Ib break of dawn in the sun of heaven Ib break of dawn in the sun of heaven Ib break of dawn in the sun of heaven and rose again. and rose again. and rose again. Oh sw. Where is your ste Where is your ste the angels the angels the angels for Christ our king praise today praise today praise the name of the Lord our God praise the name of the Lord our God praise the name of the Lord our God praise his name and forever praise his name and forever praise his name and forever more forever In this days we will sing more forever In this days we will sing more forever In this days we will sing your praise. your praise. your praise. Oh Lord Oh Lord Oh Lord our God.

He shall we turn He shall we turn in robes of white in the blazing sun in robes of white in the blazing sun in robes of white in the blazing sun shall pierce the night. shall pierce the night. shall pierce the night. And I will rise And I will rise And I will rise and among the saints and my gaze and among the saints and my gaze and among the saints and my gaze transfixed transfixed transfixed on Jesus faith You are victorious Lord. We worship you You are victorious Lord. We worship you Lord. Lord. Lord. We lift up praise our hearts. Praise the name of Praise the name of God.

God. God. Praise his name. Thank you for joining us, Marinus Thank you for joining us, Marinus Church. Receive this blessing as you go.

Church. Receive this blessing as you go. Church. Receive this blessing as you go. May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord make his face shine on you May the Lord make his face shine on you May the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord and be gracious to you. May the Lord and be gracious to you. May the Lord look with favor on you and give you look with favor on you and give you look with favor on you and give you peace. God bless you, Marinus Church.