“Now Zelophehad, son of Hepher. . . had no sons but only daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hogliah, Milkah, and Tirsah.  They went to Eleaser the priest, Joshua son of Nun,  and the leaders, and said, ‘ The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our relatives.’  So Joshua gave them an inheritance along with the brothers of their father.” (Joshua 17:3)

Richard Hawkins (my father). Had four daughters whose names were Nancy, Prudence, Holly, and Margot, as well as a son named Richard.  Each of these received a rich inheritance from their father that would serve them all their lives.  They received humor, and caring, and self confidence, and a knowledge that God is somehow at the center of everything. 

When I first read about Zelophehad’s daughters I was pleased to find that small incident recorded in the Old Testament at the dividing up of the Promised Land in Joshua’s time.   It was good to see that the sisters were confident that the promise extended to them as well as to the men, and provision was made for the Promise to be fulfilled.

Zelophehad’s daughters inherited a perishable tract of land by the Promise of God, but centuries later Paul wrote, “Flesh and blood can not inherit the Kingdom of God, nor does the. Perishable inherit the imperishable.” (1 Corinthians 15:50) He also wrote, “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the Promise.” (Galatians 3:29)

My father could not make me belong to Christ, but his character would and did open portals through which I could grow toward Christ.

In writing to Timothy Paul wrote, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded, now lives in you also.(2Timothy 1:5). Paul didn’t take credit for bringing the Gospel to Timothy.  Paul witnessed a faith that came from Timothy’s home, from his mother and grandmother, and Timothy became like a son to Paul.

Our father did not preach to us girls or to our brother, but he showed us a joy in life that we loved and wanted for ourselves.  Saying “Yes” to Christ brings His Spirit into our own, and attracts and even leads others to Him. Zelophehad’s daughters’ inheritance simply points to the imperishable fruit of God’s kingdom in Christ.

Love in Him,

Prue