In Numbers 23-24, the story of Balaam and Balak was encouraging to me. Now stay with me while I tell you the brief version. Here you have a man of God who was brought to live among those who were enemies of God’s chosen people. A great “material” reward was offered to Balaam if he would curse Israel. Balak wanted Balaam to do wrong against God’s people. But I found it interesting that he allowed Balaam to seek God’s guidance before a decision was made. Each time Balak requested something of Balaam, Balaam would go and speak with God and wait for God to tell him what to do or say. Each time, the reply that Balak received from Balaam was not what he was hoping for. You see, Balaam continued to speak of blessings over Israel instead of cursing them. In Numbers 34:10-11 we learn that, “Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam. He struck his hands together and said to him, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but you have blessed them these three times. 11 Now leave at once and go home! I said I would reward you handsomely, but the LORD has kept you from being rewarded.” Ahhh, Balak has no clue. Great is Balaam’s reward. He has God on his side and his compensation is worth so much more than the material payment that Balak was going to give him. (Matthew 5:12 says, “Rejoice and be extremely glad, because your reward in heaven is great!” Luke 6:26 says, “Be glad at such a time, and dance for joy; for your reward is great in Heaven;”)
But the story doesn’t end there. Yes, Balak was ready for Balaam to leave, but before Balaam left he informed Balak of some bad news. He told Balak how destruction was coming his people’s way.
Then, get this, after hearing news like that, there was no struggle put on Balaam, but in verse 25 we read, “Then Balaam got up and returned home, and Balak went his own way.” Wow! Was God’s hand upon Balaam of what?! I think I would have been looking over my shoulder on my way home. Faith!
So, how did this encourage me?
- Even when you are put in a situation that is not godly, stand firm on His principles.
- Always seek guidance in your life from God.
- Don’t lose your integrity for monetary value. Do the right thing. You will be rewarded by God in the end, and that is worth so much more.
- God is in control!
| March 23 |