How should Balaam's proclamation influence our trust in God's word today? Setting the scene: Who is Balaam? Balaam, a pagan diviner hired by Balak to curse Israel, finds himself compelled by God to bless the people instead. Though his motives were mixed, God overruled his tongue, turning a planned curse into a declaration of God’s steadfast commitment to His word. Key verse: Numbers 23:18 “Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: ‘Rise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor.’” The call to “listen” sets the stage for verse 19, the heart of Balaam’s proclamation: “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19) Unpacking Balaam’s proclamation • God’s nature: unchanging, truthful, utterly different from humanity’s frailty. • God’s words: inseparable from His actions—what He says, He does. • God’s promises: irrevocable—He does not retract His covenant blessing of Israel despite Balak’s pressure. • God’s sovereignty: He can even use a reluctant, flawed messenger to proclaim eternal truth. Why Balaam’s words strengthen our trust today • Scripture’s reliability rests on God’s character, not human instruments. • If God would not bend under political bribery in Moab, He will not bend under any modern circumstance. • The same God who guarded Israel’s destiny guards every promise He makes to those in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). Scripture that echoes the same certainty • Titus 1:2 – “In the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.” • Hebrews 6:18 – “It is impossible for God to lie.” • Isaiah 55:11 – “So My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty.” • Joshua 21:45 – “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” • Psalm 119:89–90 – “Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens.” • Matthew 24:35 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” • 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed.” Practical takeaways for everyday trust • Read the Bible expecting God to keep every promise exactly as stated. • Measure every cultural claim against the unchanging standard of Scripture. • Rest in God’s faithfulness when circumstances appear contrary; His timetable, not ours, fulfills His word. • Speak God’s promises with confidence, knowing that even reluctant Balaam was unable to alter what God had decreed. • Let God’s unbreakable word fuel obedience—if He never lies, His commands and warnings deserve wholehearted response. |
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