Today’s Reading Numbers 21-22
Focal Scripture: Numbers 22:23 “When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing on the path with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the path and went into the field. So Balaam hit her to return her to the path.”
This can be a confusing text if you’re not paying attention. Balaam has been summoned to put a curse on Israel. He says no and refuses to travel to see Balak. He is then asked again by more important officials and he says that he must hear from the Lord. It appears that the Lord has given Balaam permission. However, that permission comes with a condition.
The Lord told Balaam if they come to you and call you go with them. Instead Balaam just got up and went on his own. Maybe he misunderstood what God wanted. Maybe he was being selfish and thought about what he could get by following through.
What we do know is that God used a donkey to set Balaam right. This donkey saw the Angel of the Lord. It was trying to protect him from destruction and yet he beats this donkey. Thankfully, the donkey speaks to Balaam and gets his attention. Then his eyes are opened and he understands what is happening.
The application of this for believers is simply that God will use many methods to get our attention and try to keep us from going down a path that we should not. I want to be careful here and not imply that everything that happens in life a sign from God. Sometimes, they are just unusual events.
However, I do encourage us to be sensitive and ask questions. If something is out of the ordinary stop, pray, and ask for wisdom. Listen to the spirit and make sure we are following the path he has set for us and not our own decisions.
The main point that I want you to take away from today is are you listening to what God is trying to tell you. A simple two letter word caused Balaam some trouble. He heard what God said but he didn’t hear it in detail.
Many is us go through the same troubles. We hear part of what God says and not everything.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Numbers 23-24
