I don't think "Leader" is a valid biblical title for those who exercise authority in the Church.  Because, simply, God is our Leader.  In the Old Testament, the word of choice is "Shepherd" for those humans we tend to label as leaders.  In the New Testament, the most frequent reference to the disciples is "Servant". Whenever "leader" is used of people, it is almost always negative. Numbers 27 is all about transfer from one generation to the next.  The first half of the chapter is of land to the daughters of Zelophehad, then of authority from Moses to Joshua in the second half of the chapter.  But what is the nature of that authority? And why is "Shepherd" the preferred title? We explore that a bit in this message.

Why are the daughters of Zelophehad listed in the census that counts only fighting men? This disclosure foreshadows the legal issues pertaining to land inheritance found in chapters 27 and 36. The inheritance concerns the land, which results in a precedent-setting decision. What about the inheritance of the saints today? What does it consist of?

The first generation that came out of Egypt has died in the wilderness. A new generation now stands at the threshold of the Promised Land. A second census is conducted, and like the first it heads the block of material associated with each generation. There are three things each generation must remember, regardless of their theatre of operation, even for our present times.

The Israelites were poised to enter the Promised Land but they fell prey to the reality of the catchphrase "Two steps forward, one step back". Be warned! When Satan fails at one strategy he will use another like he did with the Israelites and succeed! Is your Christian life also like a "yo-yo"? Guard yourself!

Much of the book of Numbers is one bad news after another. Starting chapter 21, we see the beginning of good news. Now, through a pagan prophet-diviner, there is even more good news. God’s promise to Abraham cannot be broken. He is determined to bless His people despite their faithlessness and the schemes of their enemies. Truly, if God is for us, who can be against us?

After the many bad news of judgment and terrible consequences, Israel finally sees a turning point in their history. Numbers 21 marks the starting of many more good news to come as God grants them success and victory.

Numbers 20 highlights the failure of the leaders. More bad news is to follow. There is the rejection of Israel by Edom when they seek permission to pass through their territory. It closes with the death of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. Sin and rebellion lead to denial and discipline. Who can rescue us from all these hardships?

The forty years of wandering are almost completed. Only two of the generation that came out of Egypt will live to enter the land. Shockingly, numbered with the transgressors were Miriam, Moses and Aaron. Numbers 20 highlights the failures of the leaders, even the poignant episode of Moses’ rebellion. What can we learn from this?

Fathers are called to be the spiritual heads of their families.

With Job as a model for observation, inspiration and application, we see how Job lives out his spiritual headship over his family

by praying regularly for his family, living righteously before God and relating compassionately to his children.

Death will be a reality to the Israelites as they wander in the wilderness. When one comes into contact with the dead, one will be deemed unclean. This uncleanness will separate them from entering the camp. The provision from the sacrifice of the red heifer, the pointing to Jesus Christ, offers them the solution.