Sept 154. In what ways did Moses set an excellent example of humility for us today? (Num 27: 5, 155-18) [w13 2/1 p. 5 ][/u]. Often, when a man receives a little authority, his humility—or lack thereof—quickly becomes evident. Nineteenth-century author Robert G. Ingersoll put it this way: “Most people can bear adversity. But
if you wish to know what a man really is, give him power.” In that sense, Moses set a sterling example of humility. How so?
Moses received great authority, for Jehovah commissioned him to lead Israel. Yet, that power never made Moses proud. Consider,
for example, the modest way he handled a difficult question about inheritance rights. (Numbers 27:1-11) The question was a weighty one, as the decision would set a legal precedent for generations to come.
How would Moses respond? Would he reason that as leader of Israel, he was qualified to make a decision in the matter? Would he lean on his natural ability, his years of experience, or his intimate knowledge of Jehovah’s thinking?
Perhaps a proud man would have done so. But not Moses. The Bible record tells us: “
Moses presented [the] case before Jehovah.” (Numbers 27:5) Just think! Even after some 40 years of leading the nation of Israel, Moses relied, not on himself, but on Jehovah. Here we see Moses’ humility at its best.
Moses did not jealously guard his authority. He rejoiced when Jehovah allowed other Israelites to act as prophets alongside him. (Numbers 11:24-29) When his father-in-law suggested that he delegate some of his workload, Moses humbly applied the suggestion. (Exodus 18:13-24) And toward the end of his life, although still physically strong, Moses asked Jehovah to appoint a successor for him. When Jehovah selected
Joshua, Moses wholeheartedly supported the younger man, urging the people to follow Joshua’s lead into the Promised Land. (Numbers 27:15-18; Deuteronomy 31:3-6; 34:7) To be sure, Moses counted it a privilege to lead the Israelites in worship. But
he did not put his authority ahead of the welfare of others.
WHAT ARE THE LESSONS FOR US? We never want to let power, authority, or natural ability go to our head. Remember:
In order to be useful to Jehovah, our humility should always exceed our ability. (1 Samuel 15:17) When we are truly humble, we will strive to apply the Bible’s wise advice: “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding.”—Proverbs 3:5, 6.
Moses’ example also teaches us
not to place too much importance on our status or authority.Do we benefit from imitating Moses’ example of humility? Without question! When we cultivate genuine humility,
we make life easier for the people around us, endearing ourselves to them. More important, we endear ourselves to Jehovah God, who himself displays this beautiful quality. (Psalm 18:35) “God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.” (1 Peter 5:5) What a compelling reason to imitate the humility of Moses!"[/ul]
Sept 225. How did Joshua and Caleb provide powerful evidence that imperfect people can walk in God's ways successfully despite opposition? (Num 32: 12) [w93 11/15 p. 14 par. 13 ][/i]” (Numbers 14:8, 9) Lacking faith and courage, that generation of Israelites never reached the land of promise. But Joshua and Caleb, together with a new generation, did enter it."
[/ul]
Sept 296. How might the obedience of Zelophehad's daughters affect a single Christian's view of marriage?
(Numbers 36:10-12) [w08 2/15 p. 4-5 par. 10 ][/b] 9 Keeping Jehovah in mind constantly will help us to obey him, and we will reap blessings as a consequence. (Deut. 28:13; 1 Sam. 15:22) This calls for an obedient spirit. Consider the attitude of five fleshly sisters, the daughters of Zelophehad, who lived in Moses’ day. Among the Israelites, sons customarily received the inheritance from their fathers. The man Zelophehad died without sons, and Jehovah directed that
these five women were to receive the entire inheritance—on one condition. They had to marry sons of Manasseh so that the inherited property would remain with the same tribe.—Num. 27:1-8; 36:6-8.
10 Zelophehad’s daughters had faith that things would work out well if they obeyed God. “Just as Jehovah had commanded Moses, that is the way the daughters of Zelophehad did,” says the Bible. “Accordingly Mahlah, Tirzah and Hoglah and Milcah and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, became the wives of the sons of their father’s brothers. To some of the families of the sons of Manasseh the son of Joseph they became wives, that their inheritance might continue together with the tribe of the family of their father.” (Num. 36:10-12) Those obedient women did what Jehovah commanded. (Josh. 17:3, 4)
With similar faith, spiritually mature unmarried Christians obey God by marrying “only in the Lord.”—1 Cor. 7:39."[/ul]
