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September 28 Daily Devotional

Encouragement in Prayer

Frans Bakker

And it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses. —Numbers 27:11b

Bible Reading

Numbers 27:6–11

Devotional

The history of the daughters of Zelophehad gives encouragement to poor and guilty ones who feel excluded from God’s salvation. In verse 8 it seems as if the Lord says, “From now on it is possible for those who are excluded. I will do it not only for these five orphans, but I remain the same God for all the fatherless. Moses, write it in My Word so that all will know that what is no longer possible with men is possible with God!”

In the account of the daughters of Zelophehad we find instruction for the life of prayer. We are encouraged in our supplications to plead upon God’s own Word. Then we hold on to God on the basis of His own Word, that He Himself has spoken. This pleading ground is an encouragement for us when we have nothing to offer the Lord except sin and guilt. Salvation can never happen for our sake, but it can still happen for His sake. Therefore, persist and do not let go. The Lord is still the same God who answered the prayers of the daughters of Zelophehad. “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”

When that miracle of comfort takes place in your life, do not lift yourself up above others. Do not glorify yourself because of God’s grace, for it was freely given. Rather, go and sit beside others as their equal and speak of the wonders of God.

Surely, if God were not the faithful One, you would still wallow in your daily sins and lose your inheritance a thousand times. What would you say if the Lord no longer dealt with you according to His faithfulness but according to your unfaithfulness? You could say nothing except: “Thou art perfect; Thou art righteous, Lord.”

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.

 

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