What does Balaam's response reveal about obedience to God's word? Setting the Scene • Balak’s emissaries arrive with promises of payment and honor. • Balaam answers, “Even if Balak gave me his house full of silver and gold, I could not … go beyond the command of the LORD my God” (Numbers 22:18, excerpt). • In one sentence, Balaam puts a price tag on obedience—there isn’t one. What Balaam’s Response Teaches about Obedience • God’s word is non-negotiable—no earthly reward can outweigh it. • True obedience measures choices against God’s command, not personal gain. • Balaam acknowledges God as “my God,” showing personal accountability. • The line “great or small” highlights that no detail of God’s will is optional. • Obedience means refusal to exceed, alter, or ignore divine instruction. Echoes throughout Scripture • Deuteronomy 13:4—“You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him …” (excerpt). • 1 Samuel 15:22—“To obey is better than sacrifice …” (excerpt). • Psalm 119:89—“Your word, O LORD, is everlasting …” (excerpt). • Acts 5:29—“We must obey God rather than men.” • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Warning Embedded in Balaam’s Story • He spoke rightly, yet later compromised (Numbers 22–24; 31:16). • Knowing truth doesn’t guarantee living it; vigilance is needed. • Half-obedience or delayed obedience eventually equals disobedience. Practical Takeaways • Weigh every opportunity—promotion, relationship, profit—against Scripture first. • Guard small decisions; “great or small” matters equally to God. • Cultivate a reflex of “I cannot” when urged to cross biblical lines. • Keep commitments personal: “the LORD my God” fuels loyal obedience. |
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