What can we learn about persistence in seeking God's will from Balak's actions? Setting the Scene Balak, king of Moab, is terrified of Israel’s advancing multitudes. He hires the seer Balaam to curse the nation God has blessed. Even after God’s clear word that Israel cannot be cursed (Numbers 22:12), Balak keeps pushing: • “Then Balak said to Balaam, ‘Please come, I will take you to another place. Maybe it will please God to let you curse them for me from there.’” (Numbers 23:27) Balak’s Persistence—Step-by-Step 1. Sends elders with payment for divination (Numbers 22:5-7). 2. Builds seven altars, offers sacrifices (Numbers 23:1-3). 3. Hears blessings instead of curses, yet tries again (Numbers 23:11-13). 4. Repeats the ritual from a second vantage point (Numbers 23:14-17). 5. After a second blessing, he still presses for “another place” (Numbers 23:27). 6. Even a third time he fails, and Balaam prophesies Israel’s future victory (Numbers 24). What Persistence Taught—Positive and Negative • Persistence by itself is neutral; motive and alignment with God’s revealed word make it righteous or rebellious. • Balak never asks, “What does God want?”—only, “How can I get God to do what I want?” • God’s will is firm: “He has blessed, and I cannot change it” (Numbers 23:20). • When we strive against clear Scripture, stubbornness becomes futility (cf. 1 Samuel 15:29; Malachi 3:6). • True persistence seeks not to bend God’s arm but to bend our hearts. God’s Unchanging Verdict—Reinforcing Verses • “How can I curse those whom God has not cursed?” (Numbers 23:8) • “Every good and perfect gift is from above… with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” (James 1:17) • “Do not be conformed to this world… that you may prove what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2) Balak vs. Faithful Persistence Balak: • Repeated sacrifices to force a forbidden outcome. • Ignores God’s earlier word. • Ends in frustration and judgment (Numbers 24:10-11). Faithful models: • Jacob wrestles, yet submits: “I will not let You go unless You bless me” (Genesis 32:26). • The persistent widow seeks justice within God’s will (Luke 18:1-8). • Jesus prays, “Yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). Take-Home Points for Today • Keep seeking, but root every request in Scripture; God’s declared word is non-negotiable. • Examine motives—are we asking God to endorse our agenda, or to align us with His? • Persistence is powerful when coupled with humility and obedience. • When God has spoken clearly, accept His answer and redirect energy toward faithful living rather than futile bargaining. |
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