What does Balaam's experience teach about recognizing God's presence in others? Setting the Scene Numbers 24:2 sets the stage: “When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him.” Balaam is a pagan diviner hired to curse Israel, yet God seizes the moment to reveal Himself. From this surprising encounter flow several lessons on noticing God’s presence in people we might overlook. Lessons From Balaam’s Sudden Insight • God can choose unlikely vessels – Balaam was not an Israelite prophet, yet “the Spirit of God came upon him.” (cf. Numbers 22 and 2 Peter 2:15–16) – The Lord’s sovereignty reminds us not to dismiss anyone as outside His reach (Acts 10:34–35). • God’s presence is recognized by spiritual perception, not mere appearance – Balaam “looked up” and saw Israel orderly “tribe by tribe.” Order reflected Yahweh’s organizing hand (Numbers 2). – Earlier, the donkey saw the angel before Balaam did (Numbers 22:31). Eyes open to God’s activity are a gift of grace (Ephesians 1:17–18). • The Spirit’s arrival changes the message – Hired to curse, Balaam blesses (Numbers 24:3–9). Spirit-filled words reveal the Source (2 Samuel 23:2). – When the Spirit is present, fruit follows (Galatians 5:22–23). Recognizing those fruits helps us identify God at work in others. Practical Marks of God’s Presence in People Today 1. Alignment with God’s Word • Balaam’s blessing echoed God’s covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:2–3). • Authentic spiritual speech matches Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). 2. Evident transformation • Balaam moves from cursing for profit to declaring God’s greatness. • Real encounters with the Spirit produce repentance and new priorities (Titus 2:11–14). 3. Humility before God’s sovereignty • Balaam confesses, “Must I not speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?” (Numbers 23:12). • Those indwelt by God yield to His authority (James 4:6–7). 4. Blessing directed toward God’s people • Balaam’s oracle magnifies Israel’s future glory (Numbers 24:5–9). • The Spirit urges believers to build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7). Confirming Examples in Scripture • Ruth 1:16–17 – A Moabite perceives the true God and joins His people. • Matthew 15:21–28 – A Canaanite woman demonstrates faith Israel should have shown. • Acts 9:26–27 – Barnabas recognizes grace in Saul when others fear him. Applying Balaam’s Lesson • Watch for God’s order, truth, and fruit—regardless of a person’s background. • Stay alert; God may speak through unexpected voices (John 7:46; Luke 19:40). • Evaluate by Scripture and the Spirit’s recognizable work rather than human labels (1 John 4:1–3). Conclusion Balaam’s moment on the hilltop challenges us: God’s Spirit is not bound by our categories. By measuring speech and life against the living Word and the Spirit’s fruit, we learn to discern and celebrate God’s presence—sometimes in the most surprising people. |
    |