“POSSESS YOUR INHERITANCE”!!

 TEXT: NUMBERS 27:1-4:  [Portrays Christ as “Our Lifted Up One”]!

·         Vs 1: Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph:  and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah. 

·         Vs 2: And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,

·         Vs 3: Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the LORD in the company of Korah:  but died in his own sin, and had no sons.

·         Vs 4: Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son?  Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father.

God has already told us that “We are anointed”!  Then He said for us to “Increase the anointing”!  He also said that “Everything is alright”!  Now He’s saying to us, “Go get your inheritance”!

The Book of Numbers covers a period of thirty eight years of Israel wandering in the wilderness and their preparation for the conquest and settlement in the Promise Land, 

One aspect of this preparation involves two censuses.  The first one meant to gauge the nation’s military strength – and the second had a dual purpose:  gauge the nation’s military and a tool for land distribution.

Here they are at the entrance of the Promise Land when the second census was taken and only men were counted.  At this time the inheritance customs allowed only men to own property.  It was the male then, who is the central figure in preserving family continuity in name and in property.  Women had no property rights.  They were considered property themselves.   They had no voice.  They were “seen and not heard”.

 If a father died leaving no sons, daughters did not inherit what he left.  Property went to the surviving male relative.  Male dominance in society was so great both secular and religiously, a great difference between the status of men and women was visible in areas of life.  That same “Pharisaical spirit” is very much alive today in churches, as well as in the homes. 

Sadly, today in the church we still find those who persist in promoting disparity (a difference), in both perception and practice between men and women.  They will take a few biblical texts out of context and a few human traditions elevated to status of divine truths and use it to keep women in their place in the church.

Our text serves as a model for understanding God’s perception of rights and justice toward women.

Among the many rights challenges women faced was a lack of inheritance. 

Inheritance is from the Hebrew word nahalah, meaning specific allotment or entitlement (land that has continuity with the past and ties with a sacred heritage; property received upon the death of one’s parents).  It’s derived from nahal, meaning “possession”.

Numbers 27:1 traces the ancestry of Zelophehad to Manasseh and lists his daughters by names – Mahlah’, meaning sickness.  It goes to another word chalah’, meaning to be rubbed or worn; to be weak; sick; afflicted; to grieve; wounded; pray; entreat; sore; pain; infirmity.  Noah means to rest; rested; resting place.  Hoglah, is from choglah’meaning a partridge.   Milcah’, is from me’lek, meaning queen; royal; king.  Also from malak’, mean to reign; to ascend the throne; to induct into royalty; to take counsel.  Tirzah is from the root word tirshatha’, which is a title of Persian deputy or governor. 

This tells me there’s a revelation here to specifically list daughter’s names in a male dominant culture.  It showed the legitimacy of their claim to their father’s name and that they weren’t imposters. 

In truth, females has always had legitimate (legal; authorized; permitted; sanctioned; approved) rights to their Father’s property.  Psalm 24:1: The earth is the LORD’S and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

In the beginning, when God created male in His image, after His likeness, He also created the female in His image, after His likeness.

·         Genesis 1:26: And God said, “Let us make man (aw-dawm’) in our image, after our likeness:  and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.  Vs 27: So God created man (aw-dawm’) in his own image, in the image of God created he him:  male and female created he them.

This “man” (aw-dawm’) was a group of people, composed of male and female, and they both were named Adam.  Genesis 5:1: This is the book of the generations of Adam.  In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him:  vs 2: Male and female created he them, and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.

·         Vs 28: And God blessed THEM, and God said unto THEM (male & female), “Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth, and subdue it:  and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.”

Note that Zelophehad had no sons.  The absence of a male descendant from a family of the Exodus generation was a problem for inheritance rights, because women were provided for by brothers and husbands.  The fact no brother existed meant the loss of an Israelite family from one tribe.  It took the “daughter” qualities necessary for the tenacity, tact, courage, wisdom, and grace they needed to request/receive an inheritance for themselves.

Daughter throughout the Old Testament mostly is defined in Hebrew as bath, meaning a daughter; apple [of the eye]; branch; company. As feminine of bane it’s defined as a son (as builder of the family name). 

Remember in Christ a female can be a “male”, as well as a male can be a “female”, only from the spiritual standpoint.  When the “female” is giving out or ministering the Word of God to someone, that’s the “spiritual male” aspect of her, because she is giving out the “seed”, which is the Word of God (Luke 8:11).  Any male receiving the Word of God, that’s the “spiritual female” aspect of him, because he is taking in or receiving of the seed, which is the Word of God.  That explains also Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female:  for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

We’re all classified as “sons” (male & female), in CHRIST’S body!

What did God tell Moses to tell Pharaoh?  (Exodus 4:18-31) [Moses returns to Egypt]: 

·         Vs 21: And the LORD said unto Moses, when thou go to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand:  but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.  Vs 22: And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, thus said the LORD, “Israel is my son, even my firstborn”:  vs 23: And I say unto thee, “Let my son go, that he may serve me:  and if thou refuse to let him go behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.”

The Israelites were a nation of people, composed of men women, boys and girls, but God called them His “son”.

Paul’s letter to the church at Galatia, “When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.  To redeem them that was under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  And because you are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba Father.  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son:  and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:4-7). 

We know there were men and women in those churches then, just as the body of Christ is made up today of both male and female, yet we are all one body, in Christ Jesus!!

·         1^st Corinthians 12:12: For as the body is one, and hath many members and all the members of that one body, being many is one body:  so also is CHRIST.  Vs 13: For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Look at how God stepped into history and made dramatic changes as the Israelites prepared for entrance into the Promise Land.

First census:  family ancestry, named six that were not clan or tribal leaders:  Zelophehad; Hepher; Gilead; Machir; Manassah; Joseph; and five that were “not men” but “daughters”.  Joseph is the seventh tribe.

Second Census:  not only is Joseph listed the seventh tribe but there are seven generations listed.  Scripturally, seven is important.  This is the only tribe for which this is done.  Zelophehad is not a clan leader and therefore shouldn’t be listed, but he is listed as the sixth generation and his “daughters” (listed by name) are counted as the seven generation.

Structurally, this setup put these daughters in the right position for success and to get their inheritance.  We can see that it’s time for a change.

We all know significant change no matter how much it may be needed, rarely come easy.  We have a tendency to cherish our cozy comfort zones, and don’t take kindly to calls and challenges to come forth and embrace change.  Even though such change may be in our best interest, we still tend to resist, especially, true when it pertain to religious traditions.

Their position was a setup.  Seven is “perfection or completeness”.  It’s a state of consciousness completely free from any shadow of negation (contradiction or denial of something; the absence or opposite of something actual or positive).  In other words, these women didn’t harbor any negative thoughts, only good flowed into every department of their life. 

·         Matthew 5:48: Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Even their names make a statement.  They all have “AH” in their names, indicating “Jehovah”, the self-Existent One; the Eternal, the “I AM” God.  These women were fully inspired by God’s Spirit.  It doesn’t matter what order their names are listed they are viewed as equal.

There are three factors that played significant roles in these women’s success in influencing legal change in their society.

·         They understood their covenant (contract; bond; relationship with God) status.  They knew who they were spiritually and whose they were.  While other women of their time spent time in their tents like prisoners in polygamy households, but these ladies spent time outside their tents.  They were curious and had a zest for life.  They refused to be confined by the limitations of their culture.  They thought differently from other women of that era.  Their father had no sons and they (his daughters) recognized the value of his daughters.  He was generous with his affections and instilled in them a powerful sense of personal destiny.  I’m sure he spent time with them telling stories about the Exodus from Egypt.  As they blossomed into women, their confidence grew.  They must have started talking amongst themselves about the problem with patriarchy (system of society/government) wherein the father or eldest male is head of the family and descent is traced through the male line.  Men held the power and women were left out.

·         These women were from a new generation.  They began asking the forbidden questions – Why can’t women have privileges around here?  Why can’t we own land?  Why can’t we get an inheritance when we cross Jordan?  They were God ordained trouble makers!  They would soon make history!

·         Their father died in the wilderness and they’re faced with a devastating fact, “their father’s inheritance is hanging in the balance”!  If they don’t get it, it would deprive them of livelihood; their father’s name blotted out of the family line and out of tradition; a male relative, next of kin would acquire an unfair addition to the estate.  These daughters were up in arms and wasn’t about to have it.  They knew they had to make a bold move.

·         Their mentality level was at an all-time high.  “I can do all things through Christ”!  They had a “go get it” attitude!  They were like “Mighty Mouse” – he had courage – he believed he could handle any situation that got in his way.  He was small in stature, but large in his outlook on how to handle a crisis.  He didn’t rely on his physical abilities he relied on his supernatural abilities.  That’s how God works.  He doesn’t want us to rely on our ability/strength, but on His supernatural power!

·         God was just waiting for somebody brave enough, somebody who would stomp on fear and no matter the culture, no matter the number of men, He just wanted someone to go to “city hall” and get their inheritance.  That’s what these women did.

I believe this story was recorded so women can see that we do have a special place in God’s heart.  We are entitled to the Promise Land just like the males.  We have to muster the courage to stand up for our rights.

They knew who they were.  They had a relationship with God.  They stepped out in faith; forsaking all; saying, I trust Him; I’m not looking for any other source; I’m not depending on anybody human:  they put their hope and trust in God only!

They knew that “knowledge is power”!  They familiarized themselves regarding Laws of inheritance and current Law was inadequate, for it didn’t account for unusual circumstances of a man without sons.

They knew the Law stated that the son is the only means through which the father will ensure the continuity of his “name”.  They also knew, their disinheritance from the land struck at the heart of the Abrahamic Covenant, that promised Abraham and his descendants not only land, but continuing relationship with God:

·         Genesis 15:18: In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates”: 

·         Genesis 17:7: And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

The land of Canaan was a divine entitlement for Israel as a people.  Those who had a portion would enjoy a place in God’s land:

·         Joshua 22:25: For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in the LORD:  so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.

They also knew that faith in God’s promises and obedience to God’s commands would bring the blessings.  By right they remained heirs of the covenantal promises symbolic by the land.

After a judicial divine review of the legal provision:  these sisters banded together:  keep in mind they hadn’t yet entered the Promise Land.  They were “standing on the “promise” that God said and they believed it.  Oh what great faith!

They were going to take this thing to court.  Honoring their father who was dear and precious to them, and now he was gone.  This was a debt owed in memory of their parents.  The fifth commandment, “Honor thy father and thy mother”.

They had a “collective voice”:  they stood together to plead their father’s case.  They filed one of the earliest reported “lawsuits” on record!

Can you imagine them marching through the crowd of men to get to the tent of meeting.  A place where women couldn’t go, something women just didn’t do – “ask for land”.  Something only owned by men according to tradition ---and also to go “without being called”.

Aristotle said, “Criticism is something you can easily avoid by saying nothing, doing nothing and being nothing”.  These sisters did not waiver!

Keep in mind they hadn’t yet entered the promise land.  They were standing on the promise of what God said and they believed it.  Oh what great faith!  They believed they had it before they saw it!  That’s dynamic faith – walking out on nothing knowing something is there!    They involved the “whole-man” – mind, emotions, and the will!  They could walk the walk and talk the talk!

They spoke to Moses with authority regarding their father’s honor.  “Why should the name of our father be removed from among his family because he had no sons”?  “Give us a possession among our father’s brothers”.

This took intestinal fortitude. These women were walking in mustard seed faith.  Fear is usually the first obstacle on the scene to block you.  Faith is the opposite of fear, it conquers fear! 

Their father’s name Zelophehad means “protection from fear”.

That’s why Jesus said to the disciples again and again, “Fear not, fear not, but believe”. He has spoken to us several occasions “Do not be afraid.  I can’t use no coward soldier”.

These women were not cowards. They were wise, interpreters, God fearing, faith walkers, and faith talkers.

They wanted their inheritance.  Can you imagine the reaction of the crowd?  I’m sure they were silent and waiting in expectation.  They had witnessed what happened to Korah and his group when they challenged Moses (Numbers 16).

Think about it, it wasn’t just coming before the crowd that made what they did daring, it’s that they were going against “tradition”.  Tradition and custom of the land was that women didn’t approach leaders in this way.  Only males could inherit property.

It took determination (firmness of purpose; fixed aim).  A mind-set that says “I won’t quit”!

How many has been in a situation that all signs said “no entry” or “according to our rule” – “we can’t allow you to do this or that”?  God is the ultimate Law Maker.  He can over-ride man’s law. 

You stand back and say “It won’t hurt to ask”.  Many times, I believe God has already made provision for that very situation.  God just want you to believe and trust Him!

They made a “none violent approach”:

·         Your approach matters.  They didn’t protest with signs, nor were they screaming, finger pointing, nor head wringing.  They stood firm, unwavering in their faith.

·          They educated themselves on the law of inheritance.

Guess what, to everyone’s surprise, after hearing their case, Moses stated, “I’m going to take it to God”.  Tell me, “is that wisdom”?  He could’ve ignored their request based simply on the fact that they were women.  He could’ve said, “I need to discuss this case among the deacons”. He could’ve said, “According to tradition”.  That’s one of Satan’s greatest weapons for opposing growth and progress in the church.  There was no law that denied them their inheritance it was custom trying to hold the key.

They came to Moses relying on a promise based on grace.  There were five daughters, and five is the number of “grace”.  It will make space for the left out and the locked out.

After all was said and done, Moses returned the verdict with a favorable report from God.

God’s answer did three things:

·         Found women were justified in their request: (Galatians 3:28): In Christ there’s neither Jew nor Greek (Gentile), bond nor free, male nor female.  Through God’s eyes, “we are all one”!

·         Told Moses to give them their father’s land so his name wouldn’t be lost - additionally, it’s given as an inheritance.  They not only received a piece of land, but they are allowed to give the land to their offspring as an inheritance.

·         God makes this decree a Law for securing the same rights for other women through all generations. 

I dare you to “go get your inheritance”!  I dare you to stand against tradition!  I dare you to believe God!  I dare you to activate your faith! 

The faith of these five women was double acting.  Have you ever looked at the label on a can of baking powder?  It has the words “DOUBLE ACTING”.  Meaning, its use is to increase in volume, it’s “DOUBLE ACTING”!  That’s the way faith is when activated.

I believe God is calling women today to allow their faith to increase in “volume”!  That’s because it not only acts in you, but it acts in others.  It stimulates others.

I believe God is calling women of faith to arise and claim or “go get their inheritance”.  He’s looking for women with an “apostolic spirit” – women whose burden for souls weigh so heavy they can’t rest until the earth is filled with His glory!  It’s time to stand up and speak up and not be afraid. For if God be for us, tell me who can be against us!

It’s time for women to shake loose from the trapping of religious culture and step into their full potential.

With God backing us, why not “go get our inheritance”?

What is our inheritance today?  All that God has to offer:  divine health; wealth; perfect peace; eternal life; wisdom; knowledge; understanding; happiness, power; dominion; authority, all in the Holy Ghost! 

It’s rightfully yours!!!  “GO GET YOUR INHERITANCE”!!!

Evangelist Brenda Hansley

“Being at Peace in God”!

 Text:  Philippians 4:7: And the peace of God which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.

 Peace is from the Greek root word, eire’ne (i-ray-nay), from a primary verb (to join); prosperity; quietness; rest.

This lets us know that God wants our hearts, not the muscle that pumps blood throughout the body, but your (thoughts or feelings [mind]; the very middle of you), to connect (join; attach; fasten) totally with Christ so that within you, there can be quietness (stillness; calm) and rest (ease; relaxation) from the circumstances that may surround you.  So prosperity is more than just having money and things. 

·        3^rd John 2: Beloved, I wish above all things that thou may prosper and be in health, even as thy soul (psuche’)[emotions (bound by deep seated hurts] prospers (euodo’o) [succeeds in reaching; progress].

The soul of man is the psuche’, or the emotional, sensitive, or irrational part of man bound by deep seated hurts and wounds that’s been dealt to us and we refuse to let go of them. 

·        1^st Peter 5:8: Be sober (ne’pho) [abstain from; be discreet; watch], be vigilant (gregoreu’o) [keep awake; watch(ful)], because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion (out of control emotions), walks about, seeking whom he may devour.

The only way we can be free of the roaring lion, is to not allow the soul (emotions) to slay the Lamb that’s in us.  Therefore we must allow the love of the Lamb of God in us to arise and rule over that soul department, so that we can live in peace and tranquility!

Our Father first of all already knows our very thoughts and situations.  He sees all of our imperfections, yet He’s faithful because He is our “always present help”! 

In growing unto perfection obstacles will be there agitating, irritating, the enemy whispering evil thoughts trying to break us and discourage us and to get us to let down our shield of faith.  Oh, “but God”!!  The prophet Isaiah said:  26:3: Thou wilt keep (natsar’) [to guard; protect; maintain; preserve] him in perfect (tamam’) [complete] peace, whose mind is stayed on thee:  because he trust in thee.  

When we “trust” our Heavenly Father that means we are sure of His Word and have confidence with assurance in whatever He says, knowing His Word can’t fail.

·         Isaiah 55:9: For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.  Vs 10: For as the rain comes down and the snow from heaven, and returns not thither, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater:  vs 11: So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth:  it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Here in Philippians chapter four, Paul is extending exhortations to believers to “stand fast” in the Lord and to unify with joy also in the Lord.  Our Father is saying this to you today that are reading this message!  1^st Corinthians 15:58: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

We must understand and realize that since the beginning of time God has always provided and protected His people

·        Genesis 1:1: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 

Vs 2: And the earth was (became) without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.  And the Spirit of God moved (rachaph’) [to brood; to be relaxed] upon the face of the waters. 

Vs 3: And God said, “Let there be light.” 

·        Psalm 91: 1: He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Vs 2: I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress:  my God, in Him will I trust.  Vs 3: Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.  Vs 4: He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust:  his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Our Father has never failed any of those before us.  We are going to see how even those of the Old and New Testament had their faith tested.  We’re going to see that all that we are experiencing and going through even now whether economically, emotionally or ecclesiastically, He’s always there.

So Philippians 4:7 will become reality in our Christian life journey in Christ Jesus.  And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

There are a host of men and women from Genesis to Revelation, that are examples but I will use a few to show how the same God that was with “them” is with “us” right now!!

There was Moses, whose name means drawing out; extracting; water saved.  He was the son of Amram and Jochebed, and brother of Aaron and Miriam of the tribe of Levi.

God used Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage.  We know that it wasn’t an easy task.  He faced ridicule, criticism, backbiting and hatred which can cause discouragement and an attitude of throwing in the towel.  Especially coming from the people you are leading. Yet, we see how in Exodus chapter fourteen the children of Israel were seemingly trapped, but God stepped in.

·         Exodus 14:10: And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lift up their eyes and behold the Egyptians marched after them:  and they were sore (mightily) afraid:  and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord.

·         Vs 16: And as Moses lifted up his rod and stretched out his hand over the sea, it divided and the children of Israel crossed over on dry land.

Joshua, who was one of the two spies who came back with the good report, was Moses’ minister and leader of Moses’ army.  Israel was now under his leadership.  He is to take the children of Israel into the Promised Land.  Joshua’s name means Jah is Savior and Jehovah is Deliverer.  In Hebrew the name is identical with the name Jesus.  Both names are derived from the word Jehovah, meaning “I AM THAT I AM”!!  Joshua was from the tribe of Ephraim (Numbers 13:8).

Joshua as a leader now having to assure the people they would possess the land having already heard a bad report from the other ten leaders, now they’re faced with Jericho, a fenced city.  Jericho covered about eight acres.  It was a fortress city (a military stronghold), not just for its residents but for the inhabitants of the nearby countryside.  The walls may have been as much as thirty feet high and twenty feet thick.  It was considered to be invincible.

Are you facing a Jericho?  Jericho in Hebrew means “moon”.  The moon and the different phases it goes through typifying the different aspects of the workings of the devil against God’s people.  The definition of it in the Greek sends you back to the Hebrew.  See how the enemy makes situations, things and circumstances seem invincible?  But we should never let our shield of faith down, for we already know we are to walk by faith and not by sight (2^nd Corinthians 5:7). 

·         1^st Peter 5:8: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking, whom he may devour. 

A wonderful and good thing is, what Joshua did was, he obeyed “a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand”.  He was submissive, willing, and ready to obey his lord (Joshua 5:13-15).  And through obedience the walls of Jericho fell down after compassing the city thirteen times.  So much for the number thirteen being a “bad number” and it might be for those that don’t know God, but for those that know Him, everything He did was “good”, but when He included man (male & female), He said it was “very good” (Genesis 1:1-31).  

The Israelites compassed the city once for six days and on the seventh day they encompassed it seven times (Joshua 5:10-16). 

This teaches us that our Father’s Presence is with and in us and that we are never alone in our struggles or our Jericho’s.  Spiritual forces are fighting on our behalf.

·         2^nd Corinthians 10:4: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;   vs 5: Casting down imagination and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ:  vs 6: Having a readiness to avenge all obedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

There’s Daniel:  Still talking about “being at peace”, even in adversity.  He was thrown into the lion’s den because of jealous individuals that will lie on you for no reason!  Have you ever been lied on?  People will even set traps to entrap you just because you love God or because you won’t join their clubs to go along, just to get along.  Well, Daniel never deterred from his praying three times a day before and he wasn’t about to change it for anyone.

·         Daniel 6:6: Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king and said thus unto him, King Darius, live forever.  Vs 7: All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.

What if this was your church family?  What if this happened to you at your work place?  What if this happened to you among family members?  What would you do?  Would you give in?  Would you consult God? Would you lose sleep?  Would you compromise?  Let’s see what, especially concerning your faith, Daniel did.

·         Vs 10: Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Because the king had signed the decree into law it could not be changed and he reluctantly, commanded and they brought Daniel and threw him into a den of hungry lions.  But as we all know, God shut the mouths of those hungry lions.  Daniel 6:18-23, The king in haste went unto the den of lions and cried out to Daniel with a lamented voice and found that Daniel was still alive by a miracle and commanded him to be made free.  Let’s see what happened to Daniel’s accusers.

·         Vs 24: And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and break all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

I’m reminded of Psalm 105:15: Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

So, let us not be peace breakers but peace makers!  Matthew 5:9: Blessed are the peacemakers (eirenopoios’) [pacificatory (tend toward peace)] for they shall be called the children (sons) of God.

All the above had a common goal and that was they called on the name of the Lord!!

Still talking about “being at peace”!

As we go into the New Testament, we find Jesus of Nazareth, our prime example who shaped and made disciples, apostles and touched many people of all walks of life, changing their lives forever. 

Remember earlier I gave you the definition of Jericho as being “moon”, and moon typifying the devil himself.  Well, Jesus also had Jericho’s to conquer to give us the victory! 

Luke 10:25-37 (The Good Samaritan):

·         Vs 30: Jesus answering said, “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead”.

That certain man was Jesus that went down from Jerusalem (the city of peace) to Jericho (the city of moons) and fell among thieves (the religious leaders).  This is a picture of His crucifixion, but He didn’t stay dead, He rose with all power.  St. John 1:11: He came to his own, and his own received him not, but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.  There were many Jews that received Him, but also Gentiles!

·         Ephesians 2:14: For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us:  vs 15: Having abolished in his flesh the enmity even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace (eire’ne)!

We are all one in Christ Jesus.  (Galatians 3:28): There is neither Jew nor Greek (Gentile), there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

·        Proverbs 16:7: When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace (shalam’) [to be safe (in body, mind, or estate); completed; to be friendly; make amends] with him.

·        Romans 12:18: If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably (eirenopoios’) [pacificatory (tend toward peace)] with all men.

 Jesus is the one who gave His life that we all would have a right to the tree of life.  The one who gave His life that we might live!  This Jesus of Nazareth grafted us in who were once alienated (isolated; estranged), not annihilated (destroyed utterly; obliterated):

·         Colossians 1:21: And you that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (brought us back to the Father).

But now because of His death, burial, and resurrection, He has made us heirs and joint-heirs in the household of faith!

·         Romans 8:16-17: The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children (seed; sons) of God:  and if children (sons), then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  

We being glorified together with Christ now doesn't happen out beyond the blue, when we get to heaven.  We are already in heaven right now being in Christ.  

• Ephesians 2:5: Even when we were dead (past tense) in sins, hath quickened (made alive) us together with Christ, (by brace you are saved):  vs 6: and hath (already) raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.  

Therefore we're already glorified with Him.  Glorified being taken from the root word sundoxa'zo, meaning, to exalt to dignify in company with.  Which denotes "union or oneness" with.  

• John 17:22: And the glory which thou gave me I have given them:  that they may be one, even as we are one:  vs 23: I in them and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one:  and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

This Jesus of Nazareth, Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:6-7).  This Jesus of Nazareth, who died for all and rose on the third day with all power, has given that same power unto us.

·         Luke 10:19: Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

·         Acts 1:8: You shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:  and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Still talking about “being at peace”!  This same Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ that’s in us empowers us, protects us, leads and guides us.  Talking about peace and “being at peace”, again:

·         Isaiah 26:3: “Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee”. 

·         John 14:27: Jesus said:  “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:  not as the world giveth, give I unto you”.  “Let not your heart be troubled (stirred or agitated), neither let it be afraid (timid; fearful)”.

Again the word peace in this verse and Philippians 4:7, both come from the same root word eire’ne, a primary verb ei’ro, meaning (to join);  prosperity; one; quietness; rest.  1^st Corinthians 6:17 states:  He that is joined (kolla’o) [glued to; stuck to; keep company with] unto the Lord, is one Spirit!  Knowing that He is our “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), and we’re glued to Him, we to can be at “peace” or have “perfect peace”!!

 Eire’ne, occurs in each of the books of the New Testament except 1^st John. 

This is showing harmonious relationships between men:

·         Proverbs 16:7: When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace (shalam’) [to be safe (in body, mind, or estate); completed; to be friendly; make amends] with him.

·        Acts 7:26: And the next day he showed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, “Sirs, you are brethren; why do you wrong one to another”? (Speaking of Moses and his Hebrew brethren, Exodus 2:13]:

·        Romans 12:18: If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably (eirenopoios’) [pacificatory (tend toward peace)] with all men.

    Peace (order) in the state:

·         Luke 14:31: Or what king going to make war against another king, sits not down first and consult whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that comes against him with twenty thousand?  Vs 32: Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an ambassage (presbe’ia)[ambassadors; message; representative], and desires conditions of peace.

God knows we need “peace between nations even now”: 

·        Acts 24:2-3: And when he was called forth, Tertullus, began to accuse him, saying, “Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence”.

• Romans 14:19: Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.    

But for this to happen, the hearts of the leaders has to be turned toward God and love God’s people and want to do right toward the people. 

• ·        Proverbs 29:2: When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice:  but when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn. 

There is much mourning (deep sorrow; regret) around the world today.  “But God”!

We need “peace” among ourselves, in our homes; jobs; churches, etc.

·        Acts 10:36: The word which God sent unto the children of Israel (to us as well), preaching peace by Jesus Christ:  (he is Lord of all).

·        1^st Corinthians 14:33: For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 

Peace united Jew and Gentile:

·        Ephesians 2:15-17: Having abolished in his flesh the enmity even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:  and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

But, Jesus said in Matthew 10:34: Think not that I am come to send peace (eire’ne) on earth:  I came not to send peace, but a sword (mach’aira) [a knife; dagger; war; judicial punishment].  But, this will come only through disobedience and unbelief.  Take a look at the next verses:

·         Vs 35: For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

·         Vs 36: A man’s foes shall be they of his own household.

·         Vs 37: He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me:  and he that loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

·         Vs 38: And he that takes not his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.

·         Vs 39: He that finds his life (soul) shall lose it:  and he that loses his life (soul) for my sake shall find it.

Anything or anyone we put before God, the sword (His Word), will bring division.  There will not be any peace with it.  Thou shalt have no other gods (companion; friends; family; material things; wealth; etc) before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.  Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them:  for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God (Exodus 20:3-5).

But we are to obey God: Deuteronomy 28:1-14 (speaking of the blessings of God through obedience): 

Vs 1: And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:  vs 2: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.  Vs 8: The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou set thine hand unto:  and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.  Vs 13: And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath:  if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them.

I know we’re not under the law but grace, and there’s only one law now, and that’s to “love” the Lord thy God and thy neighbor as thyself, but obedience brings the blessing.

·        Proverbs 10:22: The blessing of the LORD, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow (et’seb) [toil; pang (whether of body or mind); grief] with it.

·        Matthew 6:33: But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

·        Mark 12:30: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:  this is the first commandment.  Vs 31: And the second is like, namely this, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”  There is none other commandment greater than these.  

     Your neighbor is not the person living next door to you, but your neighbor is the other members of the "Body of Christ", that we are now "one with".  1st Corinthians 12:12: For as the body is one, and hath many members and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body:  so also is Christ.  Vs 13:For by "one Spirit" (not water), are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free:  and have been all made to drink into "one Spirit"!  

Deuteronomy 28:15-68 (speaks of the punishment of disobedience):

·        vs 15: But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee.

Jesus became a curse for us:  Galatians 3:13: Christ hath (already) redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:  vs 14: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.  Vs 16: Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made.  He said not, and to seeds, as of many, but as of one, and to thy seed, which is Christ.

Ephesians 1:3-23 [God has blessed us through Christ] (so this establishes our peace):  

·        Vs 3: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

In relation to “unbelief” (no peace):

·         John 3:17-18: For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  He that believes on him is not condemned:  but he that believes not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

·         Hebrew 11:1: Now faith is the substance (confidence) of things hoped for, the evidence (proof) of things not seen.  Vs 6: But without faith it is impossible to please (gratify entirely [make happy]; fully agreeable; acceptable] him:  for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently (whole heartedly] seek him.

But God through the prophet Haggai, promised us peace:

·        Haggai 2:9: The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, said the LORD of hosts:  and in this place will I give peace (shalowm’) [safety; well; happy; health; prosperity; rest] / (shalam’) [to be safe (in mind, body, or estate); to be completed; restored], said the LORD of hosts.

So whatever you’re going through, knowing that God will never leave you nor forsake you, all you have to do is stand still and see God’s salvation, because the battle is not yours, it is the Lord’s!!  Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10).

So people of God, “be at peace in God" our Father!!

Evangelist Mary Perry