This chapter has two sections, both of which have the theme of legacy or inheritance. First, the Daughters of Zelophehad (descendants of Manasseh & Joseph) ask to receive their father’s inheritance, since there weren’t any sons in the family. Second, Joshua is named as Moses’ successor and given a portion of the authority over Israel.
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Go up into this mountain of Abarim and see the land that I have given to the people of Israel. When you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was…’ Moses spoke to the Lord, saying, ‘Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be as sheep that have no shepherd.’ So the Lord said to Moses, ‘Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. Make him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and you shall commission him in their sight. You shall invest him with some of your authority, that all the congregation of the people of Israel may obey.’ ” (v12-13,15-20)
I think it’s common for people to contemplate inheritance and legacy at two times in their lives – when they are receiving / about to receive it, or when they are leaving it (usually when we are more advanced in years). Jesus thought a great deal about legacy and dedicated His entire ministry to teaching His disciples, knowing they would succeed Him here on earth.
Scripture would seem to indicate that we as Christ followers should be consistently considering our (Jesus’) legacy, regardless of our age. For example, it seems every disciple of Jesus had at least one disciple shortly after setting out from their teacher. Prior to Pentecost the eleven disciples already had 120 followers (remember Jesus has literally just ascended into heaven), and then had 3000 new recruits after Pentecost (see Ac 1-2). Paul already had Silas with him before he even left his teacher Barnabas (see Ac 15:36-41). It did not take people long before they began passing on their knowledge and experience of Jesus’ love (His legacy).
What are we doing today to actively pass on the legacy of Christ? Are we serving somewhere so they see the glory and love of Jesus within us? Are we intentionally discipling at least one other person (ie. a literal or spiritual descendant)? Are we ministering to the sick or needy? Are we sharing Jesus on social media? Are we letting our light shine from a lamp post and not hiding it under a basket? Or are we limiting how/when we share the love of Christ with others?
Paul says: “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Php 2:1-4)
Paul clearly did not withhold any of his knowledge or experiences of Christ’s love – he shared it with everyone who would listen, and even with those who wouldn’t listen. He did not discriminate or hesitate, he shared boldly and often. Moses too shared God’s love with everyone (even those who didn’t listen), and he discipled Joshua, who eventually succeeds him as Israel’s leader.
My encouragement to us today (myself included), and every day going forward, is to have at least one conversation, or commit at least one selfless act of kindness, to the glory of God, so that someone else can receive a piece of Jesus’ legacy/inheritance. Let’s keep the legacy of love alive, regardless of our age or stage of life, giving this inheritance generously to all, as Jesus gave it to us. It’s not ours to keep, it’s ours to give away. There is no limit to the love of God we have received, so there’s no need to be stingy when we give it away.
Father God, O Holy One of Israel, we love, honor and adore You, for You alone are worthy of our praise. May Your name forever be on our lips, and may Your love be made known through every word and action, so that the legacy of Jesus would prevail throughout this earth, for every generation to come. May Your kingdom on earth be built as it is in heaven, in the hope that one day every tongue will confess You as Sovereign Lord. Jesus, please be our strength and guide, for we cannot do this on our own. In Your holy name we ask this, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training