What lessons can we learn from Balaam's encounter with the angel? Setting the Scene Numbers 22 recounts how Balak hired Balaam to curse Israel. God initially forbade Balaam, yet Balaam’s heart leaned toward the promised reward. On Balaam’s journey, the Angel of the LORD obstructed the path. Only Balaam’s donkey perceived the danger and turned aside three times, preventing Balaam’s death. Verse 33 records God’s verdict: “The donkey saw Me and turned away from Me these three times. If she had not turned away, I would surely have killed you by now, but I would have spared her.” God Sees What We Cannot • 2 Kings 6:17—Elisha’s servant’s eyes were opened to see unseen armies, affirming an invisible realm of spiritual activity. • Psalm 139:1-3—God’s omniscience ensures He sees every step. • Balaam illustrates that ignorance of the spiritual world can be lethal. Spiritual Blindness Has Deadly Consequences • Proverbs 14:12—“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” • Revelation 3:17—Self-assurance can mask blindness. • Balaam’s path looked profitable yet led him to the brink of divine judgment. God’s Mercy Often Arrives in Unlikely Packages • 1 Corinthians 1:27—God uses the weak to shame the strong. • A talking donkey—considered insignificant—became Balaam’s lifeline. • Job 33:14-18—God speaks repeatedly to spare us from the pit. Partial Obedience Is Still Disobedience • 1 Samuel 15:22—“To obey is better than sacrifice.” • Hebrews 4:13—God discerns motives, not just actions. • Balaam’s outward compliance concealed an inward craving for profit. The Love of Money Corrupts the Heart • 1 Timothy 6:10—“The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” • 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11—Balaam’s greed is infamous. • Material desire blinded him to divine warning. God Defends His Covenant People • Zechariah 2:8—Israel is the “apple” of God’s eye. • Romans 8:31—God’s protective commitment cannot be overturned. • Balaam could only bless, not curse, those whom God chose. Our Words Must Align with God’s Word • James 3:10—Blessing and cursing from the same mouth reveal a divided heart. • Numbers 23:12—Balaam professed fidelity to God’s word but later counseled Moab to corrupt Israel (Numbers 31:16). • Authentic obedience unites speech, counsel, and conduct with Scripture. Bringing It Home • Ask God to open your spiritual eyes daily. • Examine desires for any hint of greed or compromise. • Welcome God’s interventions—especially uncomfortable ones—as merciful safeguards. • Commit to wholehearted, not partial, obedience, letting every word and decision align with God’s unchanging Word. |
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