What can we learn from Balaam about seeking God's guidance in decisions? A Pivotal Moment in Balaam’s Story “ ‘When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go out as at other times to seek omens, but he set his face toward the wilderness.’ ” (Numbers 24:1) What We Observe in the Text • Balaam “saw” what pleased the LORD—he finally acknowledged God’s clear intent. • He “did not go out … to seek omens”—he stopped his usual practice of divination. • He “set his face toward the wilderness”—he physically and mentally turned toward the place where Israel camped, aligning himself—at least outwardly—with God’s purpose. Lesson 1 " Stop Trying to Manipulate Outcomes • Earlier, Balaam kept looking for a way to earn Balak’s reward while satisfying God’s minimum demand (Numbers 22–23). • The moment he understood God’s settled will, he laid aside the tools of manipulation. • Seeking God’s guidance means abandoning schemes, shortcuts, and self-serving strategies (Psalm 37:7; Proverbs 16:3). Lesson 2 " Pay Attention to What Pleases the Lord • Balaam’s shift came when he “saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel.” • Guidance flows from God’s revealed pleasure, already spelled out in Scripture (Micah 6:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:1). • Decisions line up when they echo what God clearly delights in—truth, mercy, purity, faithfulness. Lesson 3 " Discard Competing Voices • Balaam abandoned omens; God had forbidden such practices (Leviticus 19:26; Deuteronomy 18:10–12). • Seeking guidance today likewise means rejecting superstition, horoscopes, or any “extra” spiritual shortcuts (Isaiah 8:19–20). • James 1:5 promises wisdom to those who ask God directly, without double-mindedness. Lesson 4 " Face the Direction God Is Moving • “He set his face toward the wilderness”—toward the camp God intended to bless. • Orientation matters; obedience begins with turning—repenting—from our agenda to God’s (Acts 3:19). • Proverbs 3:5–6 ties straight paths to active trust and wholehearted acknowledgment of the Lord. Lesson 5 " Guard Against Hidden Motives • Later texts expose Balaam’s lingering greed (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11; Revelation 2:14). • A moment of clarity does not cancel the need for ongoing heart examination (Psalm 139:23–24). • Decisions made for mixed motives unravel; decisions rooted in love for God endure (1 Corinthians 3:13–14). Lesson 6 " Let God’s Word Override External Pressure • Balak’s promises and threats pressed Balaam; still, God’s word stood firm (Numbers 23:19). • Peer expectations, cultural trends, or financial incentives never outrank divine instruction (Acts 5:29). • Hebrews 4:12 reminds that Scripture cuts through intentions, revealing what truly aligns with God. Putting It All Together Seeking God’s guidance is not a hunt for hidden omens; it is a surrender to His already-clear voice. Balaam’s brief obedience shows the essentials: lay down manipulative tactics, notice what gives the Lord pleasure, silence competing influences, face the direction He points, keep motives pure, and honor His word above every earthly pressure. |
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