Talking to a Donkey
After some work at home this morning, I attended the Prime-time lunch at church. I then had a planning meeting for this spring’s National Day of Prayer for Northern Colorado. On my way home I stopped at an open house at Senator Cory Gardner’s office and picked up some information about a conference in Washington D.C. that I may attend this June.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Balaam….became furious and beat the donkey with his stick. Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and she asked Balaam, “What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?” Balaam answered the donkey, “You made me look like a fool. If I had a sword in my hand, I’d kill you now!”              Numbers 22:27-29 HCSB
A talking donkey is on thing – having a conversation with a donkey is another. Losing an argument with a donkey is over the top. But that is what we see in the story of Balaam. The conversation between Balaam and his donkey ends this way,
“…the donkey said, “Am I not the donkey you’ve ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?” “No,” he replied. Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the path with a drawn sword in His hand.” (Numbers 22:30-31 HCSB)
Balaam losing an argument with a donkey is not the only strange part of this record. Balaam is a prophet, but not a follower of the Lord. However, when he is approach by the King of Moab to curse God’s people, Balaam says he has to consult with the Lord.
The Lord told Balaam not to go, then He permitted him to go, but told him to only speak the words, the Lord would give him. Then as he is on the road an angel appears in the path. The angel is not seen by Balaam, but is seen by the donkey. The donkey actually spares Balaam’s life. This situation is used to get Balaam’s attention and to ensure that the words he speaks are the words the Lord tells him.
Three different times Balaam is shown God’s people in the valley below. Sacrifices are made, but Balaam speaks words of blessing and not cursing as he was expected to deliver. King Balak sends him away without any payment. In one last oracle Balaam, declares,
“…the oracle of the man whose eyes are opened, the oracle of one who hears the sayings of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty…How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, your dwellings, Israel. They stretch out like river valleys,
like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the Lord has planted, like cedars beside the water.…Those who bless you will be blessed, and those who curse you will be cursed.“ (Numbers 24:4,6,9 HCSB)
These events are unique, and important in Israel’s history. We see God is able to reveal Himself, even to someone who is not fully dedicated to Him. We see God protected His people by turning words, designed to curse into a blessing. We learn that God chooses and uses those He desires, or at least intervenes in behalf of His people.
However, constant vigilance is needed for God’s people. What Balaam did not do through words, he did through actions. He could not curse God’s people with words of prophecy, but he was able to bring a curse on them through deceit and temptation.
“…the people began to have sexual relations with the women of Moab. The women invited them to the sacrifices for their gods, and the people ate and bowed in worship to their gods.” (Numbers 25:1,2 HCSB)
This vulnerability and temptation to sin became a snare that plagued God’s people until they were conquered by the Babylonians. In the Book of Revelation we read these words addressed to the Church of Pergamum, “You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block in front of the Israelites: to eat meat sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality.” (Revelation 2:14 HCSB)
Paul wrote to the Corinthians about the forgiveness needed for an offending brother and said, “I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”        (2 Corinthians 2:10,11 NIV)
Bottom line. God’s hand can protect us in ways that we are even aware of. Yet, we must be on guard ourselves for the attacks and temptations that come our way. We must do so, following God’s ways and always being alert.
“Be true to your word, Lord. Keep me alive and strong; don’t let me be ashamed because of my hope. Keep me safe and secure, so that I will always respect your laws.” (Psa. 119:116,117 CEV)