Tucked away in the OT book of Numbers (27.1-11) is a story of five amazing women. The Israelites are still wandering around in the wilderness, on their way to the Promised Land, but the people are already thinking about their land allotments. Five women, daughters of Zelophehad come to Moses and insist that even though their father is dead and they have no brothers, they should not be deprived of an inheritance. Moses does not dismiss the request but takes it to Yahweh who tells him that the women are in the right and they should be given their share. And, Yahweh adds, this shall become a new and authoritative rule for Israel.

Every church has a “We’ve never done it this way before” committee who, stoutly, in the name of purity or piety insist that neutral or reverse is the best way to move forward! We need more ‘daughters of Zelophehad’ to push us!

I admire the audacity of these women to come forward and press their claims even though this was not done in a male-oriented culture. By usual practice the family would have lost its entitlement and the family name would be extinguished. The principle of women inheriting from their fathers was established was made possible by their courage. Because these women act assertively other women will also benefit.

The story suggests at least two truths. One, God is not closed-minded. For God, as for human beings, the future is open. As the poet, songwriter Lucien Zell reminds us:
I used to believe in God’s plan, until I arrived at a great surprise: God has no plan … He prefers to improvise.

There is a mystery about God and God’s actions that should lead us to be open to future surprises. And to edit the “We’ve never done it this way before” committee out of the handbook.

Second, a broader principle is at work here. This story, and the texts mentioned earlier, remind us that our prayers can be bold, even audacious. Maybe God will say no, but maybe God will say yes!