How can we apply Balaam's example of preparation in our spiritual practices today? First Look at Balaam’s Preparation “Then Balaam said to Balak, ‘Build for me here seven altars, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.’ ” (Numbers 23:1) • Balaam does nothing haphazardly; he orders a specific place, a precise number of altars, and costly sacrifices. • The narrative treats these details as history, inviting us to draw literal, practical principles for our own worship practices today. Intentional Space and Time for God • Seven altars required effort, resources, and a chosen location—no casual approach. • Set apart a defined “altar” in daily life: an uncluttered corner, a regular hour, a dedicated journal or Bible reading plan. • Exodus 29:42 speaks of a “regular burnt offering … where I will meet with you.” Sacred appointments encourage consistent encounters with the Lord. Offering What Costs Us Something • Each altar hosted a bull and a ram—valuable livestock. Balaam brings what is costly. • 2 Samuel 24:24: “I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” • Today’s parallels: – Time surrendered from entertainment or sleep. – Finances devoted to kingdom purposes (Proverbs 3:9). – Willing obedience even when inconvenient (Romans 12:1). Waiting for the Word Before Speaking Numbers 23:3 records Balaam’s next move: “I will go … perhaps the LORD will meet with me.” • Preparation precedes proclamation. • James 1:19 reminds, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.” • Build pauses into prayer: listen in silence after reading Scripture; resist the urge to rush to conclusions or share opinions until His Word anchors our thoughts. Guarding Motives While Preparing • Balaam’s later compromise (Numbers 31:16) warns us: right forms can hide wrong motives. • Psalm 139:23–24 keeps the heart open: “Search me, O God … lead me in the everlasting way.” • Preparation must couple with surrendered intentions—seeking God’s glory, not personal gain. Practical Steps for Modern Believers 1. Schedule a recurring worship “appointment.” 2. Designate a physical reminder—a chair, candle, or notebook—as your prayer altar. 3. Begin with thanksgiving; it tunes the heart (Psalm 100:4). 4. Offer costly obedience: forgive, serve, give. 5. Read Scripture, then sit quietly, inviting the Spirit to impress a specific truth. 6. Speak or write only after sensing clarity, echoing Balaam’s resolve to utter solely what God allows (Numbers 22:38). Living Echoes of Prepared Altars • Every intentional act of devotion builds a modern altar, signaling that our God is worth the best we can bring. • Consistent, sacrificial, motive-checked preparation positions us—like Balaam at his seven altars—to hear, obey, and declare God’s word accurately in our generation. |
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