What can we learn from Balaam's message about God's faithfulness to His promises? Setting the Scene Balak hired Balaam to curse Israel, but the Lord overruled. Balaam’s opening words in Numbers 23:18 introduce a divine oracle that cannot be altered by human desire or bribe. The pagan seer ends up affirming the very faithfulness of the God he was paid to oppose. Key Scripture “Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: ‘Rise up, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor: God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has He said, and will He not do it? Has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?’” (Numbers 23:18-19) Truths About God’s Faithfulness • God’s character is utterly reliable—He “is not a man” prone to deceit or vacillation. • His promises are anchored in His unchanging nature; what He declares, He performs. • Even adversarial circumstances (Balak’s curse request) cannot overturn His covenant intentions for His people. • The reliability of God’s word is the foundation for every subsequent promise in redemptive history. Implications for Our Walk Today • Confidence: we stand on promises that cannot fail, so fear subsides (Hebrews 10:23). • Integrity: since God keeps His word, His children reflect that same consistency (Ephesians 5:1). • Worship: witnessing God turn a curse into blessing fuels heartfelt praise (Psalm 89:1-2). • Mission: certainty in God’s faithfulness energizes obedience and witness (Matthew 28:20). Other Passages that Echo the Same Assurance • Isaiah 55:11—“so is My word that goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty...” • Joshua 21:45—“Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; everything was fulfilled.” • 2 Corinthians 1:20—“For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” • Romans 11:29—“For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.” • Titus 1:2—hope rests on “God, who cannot lie.” Wrapping Up Balaam’s reluctant oracle showcases a God whose faithfulness overrides human schemes, secures every covenant word, and invites His people to live in unshakeable trust. |
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