What can we learn about obedience from Balaam's response to God's words? Setting the Scene Balaam has been hired by Balak to curse Israel, yet God intervenes. Each time Balaam opens his mouth, he can only say what the LORD gives him. Numbers 23:5 captures the turning point. Verse under Focus “Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth and said, ‘Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.’” (Numbers 23:5) Observations on Balaam’s Obedience • God initiates: Balaam does not invent the oracle; “the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth.” • Immediate compliance: Balaam “returned to Balak” without delay. • No editing allowed: He speaks “what I tell you,” nothing more, nothing less. • External pressure ignored: Balak expects a curse; Balaam delivers a blessing because God said so. Key Lessons for Us Today • Obedience begins with revelation, not human desire. We must first hear from God’s Word before acting. • Partial obedience is disobedience. Balaam’s only safe option is full conformity to God’s exact wording (cf. Deuteronomy 12:32). • True obedience may disappoint powerful people. Faithfulness to God outranks pleasing others (Acts 5:29). • God’s Word governs our words. Like Balaam, believers are stewards of divine truth, not editors (1 Peter 4:11). Supporting Scriptures • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • Psalm 119:60 – “I hurried and did not delay to keep Your commandments.” Putting It into Practice 1. Seek God’s voice first: Begin each day in Scripture to receive clear marching orders. 2. Speak only what aligns with God’s revealed truth, even when culture—or friends—expect something else. 3. Move promptly on what God says; hesitation opens doors to compromise. 4. Evaluate obedience by Scripture, not results. Balaam’s immediate audience was displeased, but God was honored. |
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