The Faith of Youth
Scripture Reading — Numbers 27:1-11
Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son?
The way inheritances worked in ancient Israel was that your name, heritage, and place among God’s people passed down through your sons. As long as you had a son, your name would carry on to the next generation. Your place or property in the land would also be secure.
The daughters of Zelophehad approached Moses and said, “Our father died in the wilderness . . . and left no sons. Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son?” It was a courageous request by these young women. What they were asking for was property in the promised land as an inheritance so that their father’s name would be maintained and they would be counted among God’s people. It was a request made from bold faith. They believed that God would give them the promised land, and they wanted their place in it.
The faith of Zelophehad’s daughter’s stands out against the doubts and unbelief that were so much a part of Israel. We need our young people today to set a similar example of faith. Paul urged young Timothy to set an example to others in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12).
Thank God for the faith of our young people. Let’s follow their example.
Lord, thank you for working in the lives of our young people. May they be shining examples of love for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Tom Groelsema
Tom Groelsema and his wife, Sheri, have served churches in Minnesota, Michigan, and North Carolina. They have four children and three granddaughters.
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