God restrains Balaam right there in the middle of the road. Makes a donkey talk to him---real words. Bizarre that Balaam listens and lingers and lunges to continue his sinful path. Honestly, when people, that is, angels, stand in our way---they are our best friends. Balaam considered the roadblock adversarial. The LORD disciplines those He loves. Be glad for being found out! God humbled Balaam...opened his eyes. Numbers 22:31. But! Balaam didn't own his sin. No. He wanted to please Balak as much as he wanted to please his God. Doesn't work that way, does it? Just because a man says the right things, doesn't mean that his heart is right with God. Men are full of words and may appear righteous. God looks at our hearts. Six years ago, I thought my life had smashed into a roadblock that would squeeze the very life out of me. Oh my! It was a very Good God standing there, beckoning me to so much more. It was the best advantage in the whole world for me to be stopped dead in my tracks. I almost took my own life...but, no! I saw the wickedness of my own heart. I found a very Good God in that moment and it hasn't stopped, no matter the calamities.
Matthew Henry writes about these verses: "Many leave their sins, only because their sins have left them...See what need we have to pray every day, Our Father which art in heaven, lead us not into temptation. Let us be jealous over our own hearts, seeing how far men may go in the knowledge of God, and yet come short of Divine grace."
BIOGRAPHICAL READING PLAN - Balaam:
Numbers 22
OVERVIEW:
Numbers 21-22
As I read the account of Balaam, I put myself on the back of the donkey. How many times have I not prayed and assumed the obstacles were just a part of life or sent my the evil one to derail a prayer project I was a part of at church only to discover it was the Lord God Almighty Himself with instructions for me because my heart was out of whack, the church program was not balanced, or the timing was off.
ReplyDeleteLord I pray I never mount a donkey again and ride out into the world without seeking You first and waiting until I hear from You.
I've always thought this was an interesting story. The "dumb animal" knew His Voice, but Balaam was determined to continue along his path. Finally, the angel appeared before him and ask, "WHY, Balaam? Why do you want to keep going when I am trying to direct you?
ReplyDeleteWondering how many times I get in God's way, how often I have an agenda that I promote over His nudges...and that He uses a donkey, so He surely can use me, if I am pliable clay.
Bev, your post took my breath away. Yesterday was a dark day for Mike and me, we wrestled demons all day, at times felt like just giving up, oh yes. But then, a ray of light shone on us, giving us hope, and strength to keep going.
ReplyDeleteGod has put almost unbearable roadblocks in our path, confirming we were on the wrong path, and rather than beating the donkey(ourselves, each other) it is assurance that He does care. We would be missed if we weren't here. God still has work for us, so it is time to listen to Him.
Balaam wasn't one of the chosen people, he dabbled in divination which was strictly forbidden by God. However God spoke to him, and got his attention.
It always amazed me that Balaam was not surprised to hear the donkey speak. How often God speaks to us in ways we wouldn't expect, and people who may not even know Him.
Oh God, may we have a listening heart.