Today’s Reading: Numbers 23-24; Psalm 124
God had a purpose for Balaam – a place he needed him to be. Because Balaam responded in obedience when God blocked his way, God was able to use him in this next story.
After hearing from the Lord, Balaam traveled to King Balak but warned him, “Look, now I have come, but I have no power to say whatever I want. I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth” (Numbers 22:38). Next Balaam sought out that message.
SEARCHING FOR SIGNAL
King Balak took Balaam up to Bamoth-baal, built altars and made sacrifices with him in hopes that Balaam would curse Israel. Balaam went alone to the top of the hill and God met him there, giving Balaam the words to say and the message to give – a message blessing Israel instead of cursing them. Frustrated, Balak took Balaam to another place overlooking the Israelites. Balak asked Balaam to at least curse some of the Israelites if he couldn’t curse all of them. They built more altars and offered more sacrifices. God commanded Balaam again to bless the people of Israel.
“Rise up, Balak, and listen! Hear me, son of Zippor. God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? Listen, I received a command to bless; God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!…” – Numbers 23:18-20
Balak took Balaam to a third place, hoping it would please God to curse the Israelites from there. God again blessed His people and Balak flew into a rage. God gave Balaam a final message for King Balak. Not only would He bless the people of Israel, He would use Israel to crush and destroy the nation of Moab.
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
I wonder if we ever communicate with God in the same way that King Balak did. Like moving from place to place to get better cell phone reception, do we refuse to listen to God’s first reply to us and continue to manipulate our circumstances to get a different result? “Can you hear me now?” When God gives us clear instructions, do we stall and try other methods to get what we want instead of obeying and accepting His plan? Do we find ourselves asking God for confirmation when He has already been clear with us?
God, this morning we have gone alone to our mountaintop and you have met us there. Show us your plan and give us direction, giving us also the strength to accept your will. Reveal if there is anything you have told us to do and we have ignored it, hoping for a different message next time we hear from you. Forgive us for manipulating our situation instead of submitting to your Lordship. God, may our heart’s desire to please and serve you be stronger than our own selfish desires. We love you, Lord. Amen.
WHAT IF GOD HAD NOT ANSWERED OUR CALL?
I am grateful this morning that we serve the God who watches over us and protects us from our enemies. How many times has the Lord blocked the schemes of those who wish us harm? How many times has He confused our enemies or refused to let their curses land on us? What if the Lord had not been on our side? This morning I long to climb to a bare hill and thank the Lord for the times He has protected me and I was unaware of the threat of evil. May God hear our voices uniting in thanksgiving to Him this morning.
What if the Lord had not been on our side?
Let all Israel repeat:
What if the Lord had not been on our side
when people attacked us?
They would have swallowed us alive
in their burning anger.
The waters would have engulfed us;
a torrent would have overwhelmed us.
Yes, the raging waters of their fury
would have overwhelmed our very lives.
Praise the Lord,
who did not let their teeth tear us apart!
We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap.
The trap is broken, and we are free!
Our help is from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 124:1-8