Balaam, Balak, and a Donkey

DAY 12
Numbers 21:8-32:19

Yesterday, we talked about how the journey sometimes ends up in places the we didn't expect. Today is a similar theme. A stark contrast between what God wants and what we want.

First, Balaam wants to go his own way. But, the Angel of the Lord is in his path. Balaam's donkey can see the angel and continues to avoid the Angel to protect Balaam. Balaam is furious at the donkey and beats him for not going his way. Eventually Balaam sees the Angel and talks to the donkey. Balaam realizes that he was being protected the whole time. Then, Balaam submits to the will of God. I wonder what would happen if someone tried to tell that story today.

Next, Balak tries to get Balaam to curse the Israelites three times. Balak wants to go his own way, which is contrary to God's plan. Each time Balaam (who has obviously learned his lesson about obeying the Lord) blesses them according to God's guidance. Balak is angry, but never submits to God's plan. Eventually Balak goes His own way despite knowing where God blessings and promises lie.

Both times when Balaam or Balak were not getting their way, they became angry and upset. Once God's plan was revealed to each one, they had choice. Balaam chose one way, Balak the other. But God's promises and plan are being fulfilled either way. Sometimes we can't see God's plan or life's events take turns that are not in our plans. It's those times that require the most faith to rely on what God has already promised; to submit to God's plan of redeeming creation.

Num 23:19 "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change his mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?"

Every day, we have the opportunity to know and follow God's plan or go our own way. We can be Balaam or Balak. Or better yet, be the donkey who was the only one who followed God's plan from the beginning.

P.S. If you have talked to any donkeys lately, let me know.

External Link: Possible Route from Kadesh to Moab
http://www.anova.org/sev/atlas/htm/032.htm