How does this event in Numbers 22:28 connect to God's communication methods in Scripture? The Talking Donkey: What Happened? “Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?’ ” (Numbers 22:28) God Speaks Through Unlikely Means • The same God who formed human speech empowered an animal to speak intelligibly—showing nothing is beyond His reach. • By choosing a donkey, the Lord underscored His sovereignty: He is not limited to prophets, priests, or kings. • This moment warns Balaam, but it also alerts us: when God wants to be heard, He will be heard. A Pattern of Diverse Communication God’s methods across Scripture include: • Audible Voice – “And God spoke all these words” (Exodus 20:1). • Angels – Gabriel to Mary (Luke 1:26-38). • Dreams – Joseph’s prophetic dreams (Genesis 37:5-11). • Visions – Isaiah’s throne room vision (Isaiah 6:1-8). • Prophets – “The word of the Lord came to Jonah” (Jonah 1:1). • Nature – “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). • Writing – The tablets at Sinai (Exodus 31:18). • Incarnation – “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14). • The Holy Spirit’s inner witness – “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit” (Romans 8:16). • Even Silence – “After the fire came a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12). Why So Many Methods? • To reveal His character: creative, personal, and attentive. • To reach individuals in their specific circumstances. • To confirm that the message—not the messenger—carries the authority. Key Takeaways from Numbers 22:28 • Expect the unexpected—God can employ any vessel. • Evaluate every message by its agreement with revealed Scripture; Balaam’s donkey pointed him back to God’s explicit command (Numbers 22:12). • Humility matters: Balaam’s pride was confronted by a humble animal. Application for Us Today • Stay in the Word; Scripture remains the primary, infallible way God speaks (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Remain sensitive: God may use a sermon, a friend, or an ordinary event to get our attention. • Test all impressions against the Bible’s clear teaching (1 John 4:1). The talking donkey reminds us that the God who spoke through the prophets—and even through an animal—still speaks with perfect authority and creativity, inviting us to listen attentively and obey. |
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