How can we advocate for justice today, inspired by Joshua 17:4? Justice rooted in God’s command “They approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders, and said, ‘The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.’ So Joshua gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father, according to the command of the LORD.” (Joshua 17:4) What we learn from the daughters of Zelophehad - God’s Word settles the matter; their plea rested on a direct command (Numbers 27:7). - The leaders listened because Scripture spoke; justice flows from obedience, not personal opinion. - Those traditionally overlooked matter to the Lord; He safeguards their inheritance. - Courageous, respectful appeal is biblically endorsed when anchored in God’s revealed will. Grounding our advocacy in Scripture - “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) - “Open your mouth for those with no voice… judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9) - “Learn to do right; seek justice. Correct the oppressor; defend the fatherless and plead the cause of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17) - “My brothers, do not show favoritism…” (James 2:1) - “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” (Matthew 25:40) Practical ways to advocate for justice today • Speak up where God’s Word is being ignored—whether in the workplace, community meetings, or online conversations. • Appeal to recognized authority (elders, governing officials, employers) with humility and clarity, just as the daughters went to Joshua and Eleazar. • Use Scripture as your primary evidence; let chapter and verse drive your argument rather than partisan talking points. • Defend those without cultural or economic power: unborn children, orphans, widows, refugees, the trafficked, the persecuted church. • Give tangible help: share resources, volunteer legal or professional skills, support ministries that uphold biblical justice. • Guard your tone; “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) so that righteousness and grace walk hand in hand. • Persist even when results are slow; the inheritance was granted because the daughters stayed faithful to what God had said. Guardrails that keep our pursuit Christ-honoring - Check motives: seek God’s glory, not personal recognition. - Refuse methods that contradict Scripture—violence, slander, envy, or deceit. - Pray for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2) while holding them to God’s standards. - Remember that ultimate justice is in God’s hands; our role is faithful stewardship until He sets all things right. Encouragement to act The same Lord who honored five courageous sisters still commands His people to “act justly” today. Stand on His unchanging Word, speak with humble confidence, and trust Him to use your obedience to bless those who have yet to receive their rightful inheritance of dignity, protection, and hope. |
    |