Devotion: Balaam

Numbers 24:10-14 

Then Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but instead you have blessed them these three times. Now be off with you! Go home! I said, ‘I will reward you richly,’ but the Lord has denied you any reward.” 

And Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not tell your messengers whom you sent to me, ‘If Balak should give me his house full of silver and gold, I would not be able to go beyond the word of the Lord, to do either good or bad of my own will; what the Lord says, that is what I will say’? So now, I am going to my people; let me advise you what this people will do to your people in days to come.”

Balak or Balaam? Which one are you most like? Do you have anger issues? Do you strive to follow the commands of the Lord? I’ve been trying to identify with one of the men, but honestly, I am both. Sometimes I get mad at the TV, drivers who change lanes without benefit of a turning signal or the injustices in the world. But what can I do about these issues? Live in a cave? Start cursing to relieve some angst?

If I was offered a palace full of gold and silver, would I take it and run, or listen to the Lord? Would I reject great honor and hand out blessings instead? Life is like this. There are constant choices we must make; what path are we to follow? The bottom line, as Christians, is to try to do the right thing; follow Jesus’ teachings, listen to the Lord, live out the Ten Commandments, even when no one is watching.

Sure, Balaam was tempted, but he held fast to his belief and trusted in the Lord. He went on to even greater challenges…would you believe a talking donkey is in his future? Your life may not be so intriguing; neither is mine, but we have just as many problems and tough choices as Balaam, maybe even more. And just as in Balaam’s time, through navigating these difficult choices and sometimes our own missteps, we can trust our God will stand by us.

Dear Lord, thank you for always loving us. Help us to hear Your commands. Help us to do the right thing when difficult choices arise, even if no one is watching. We know You are watching. Amen.

Written by Cindy Swanson