Sunday, July 6, 2014

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Numbers 27:12-23

The book of Numbers describes the trials (and successes) of Moses and God’s chosen people, wandering through the desert, in search of the Promised Land. Today’s selection comes near the end of the group’s journey. Moses is given a view of the long-awaited new home, assurance that the people with whom he has journeyed have come to the end of their wandering. He is not permitted to enter, however, and we are told of an important instance of succession wherein God identifies Joshua as the new leader of the people. A public ceremony takes place with the laying on of hands, and Moses’ power is passed on to Joshua, perhaps both spiritually and in the minds of the people. Similar ceremonies of commissioning take place in churches, such as in the swearing in of certain committees. These can be powerful moments for those for whom the prayers are offered. Pragmatically, they are also opportunities for introduction to the members of the congregation, as well as witnessing to the importance of the ministry. Churches would probably benefit from more of these commissionings, as they highlight the importance of lay ministry.

Today’s passage is preceded by an interesting story about a group of daughters who go to Moses complaining that, because their father has died, and had no sons, they have not been accounted for in regards to the issue of inheritance. Moses goes to God with the problem, and the rules regarding inheritances are adapted. 

It is likely that these two stories were joined together intentionally. We are reading about a momentous and stressful moment of transition in the life of the community. At such times, creativity and flexibility is needed. This smaller success in the resolution of the issue of inheritance showed the people that change can be negotiated effectively. It may have helped them face the change in leadership with greater courage, peace, and acceptance. I sense that today’s passage is important for us in the mainline Church today, as we are in the midst of great transition.  

Interesting side note: the scriptures preserved at Qumran (i.e. the Dead Sea Scrolls), and the Bible of the Samaritan people contain an addition to the text. After laying hands on Joshua, Moses says:

Your eyes have seen what the LORD your God has done to these two kings; so shall the LORD do to all the kingdoms into which you are going. You shall not fear them; for the LORD your God, he is the one who fights for you.

May we find reassurance in this: that while we need to do our part (listening, planning, commissioning, adapting), it is ultimately God who is at work within us. Our success does not depend on our own efforts, so much as on trust in God and our conformity to God’s will.

-Matthew Kieswetter