Whose watching your back
Working my way through some Scriptures this morning in the Book of Numbers I was actually once again amazed by the Authority of Scriptures..
I read how Israel were at times terribly confused in the desert and other times they would rejoice in the Lord their Banner. Some of the confusing parts they would ran after other gods and many times they realized it was in-vain.I mean, they actually complained eating the manna and even moaned against the leadership of Moses, the man of God in Numbers 21 verse 4-5.They hated this "miserable food". Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people and on that day many people died until Moses interceded for the people of Israel.
There's only one true God.
Reading from Numbers Chapter 22 you'll read about the prophet of God, Balaam, 'rented' by Balak, the king of Moab to 'curse' the people of Israel. Balak send for Balaam, but he didn't come. Then Balak send some more important people to fetch Balaam from his home and making him some promises that he will be richly rewarded should he come. A nice thought of some promised promotion in life to Balaam.
Now here's the catch... even my kids noticed it, The Lord said Balaam should go with them...
Let's read it:
Vs 20 - "God came to Balaam at night and said to him, "If the men have come to call you, rise up and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you shall you do.""
Vs 21 - "So Balaam arose in the morning, and saddled his donkey and went with the leaders of Moab.
Vs 22 - "But God was angry because he was going, and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey and his two servants were with him."
INTERESTING
Question: 'Do you think God changed His mind how He felt that Balaam should go?'
OK, my kids were somewhat troubled that God said to Balaam He should go but along the way God send an Angel against Balaam almost as if God changed His mind. What makes it even worse is that this angel had a drawn sword. That doesn't send out a friendly message when a cop comes to you with a drawn gun unless you posed a threat to him or the community.
Now this is the thing. Balaam posed a threat to the people of God. This curse would've stand against Israel if God would've allowed it. God din't restrain Balaam from this sin, but the Angel were ready to strike Balaam should he sin against God who blessed Israel. At first Balaams eyes didn't opened to the way of sin. Remember, God do not restrain us from sin, but the angels helps us not to sin though we mostly do not even know it. So the angel of the Lord tried 3 times to stop Balaam from committing this sin, It was only on the 3'd encounter on a narrow road where the donkey wasn't able to divert from the attack that the donkey lay down under Balaam, Balaam furious with this he struck the donkey again and again with the stick and the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey and she said : ""What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?" and what followed was an conversation. I would've been shocked about this miracle, but not Balaam. He was so angry that he told the donkey ""Because you have made a mockery of me! If there had been a sword in my hand, I would have killed you by now."" vs 29 Only after this conversation with the donkey the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam to see the angel....
SO?
God didn't change His mind. God isn't two minded at all. It's us that suffers from this pandemic - two mindedness. Even Elijah warned the people that they shouldn't be undecided, but make a choice today.READ 1 Kings 18:21. Also Joshua in Chapter 24 told the people to make up their minds who they will follow.
God knew the heart of Balaam were probably somewhat drawn to the promises Balak made to him. Maybe Balaam gave it a thought. He may have thought, Moses won't know about it. I mean all of this time this is going on, Moses and the people of Israel didn't have a clue what was cooking on the other side of these hills. They didn't know that people were planning and plotting behind them. They didn't know that evil was brewing. Long story short.
Balak took Balaan to three (3) high places to build altars and sacrifice unto the Lord and at every high place 7 altars were build and 7 bulls and 7 rams were offered up. You know where Balak took Balaam first?
To the high places of Baal where he saw a portion of the people. He returned with a blessing in his mouth after seeking the face of God.
Then he took him to the fields of Zophim on top of Pisgah at the extreme end of the people of Israel. And again he returned with a blessing to Balak. Balak even responded - "Do not curse them at all nor bless them at all!" Then he took Balaam again to another place, to the top of Peor which overlooks the wasteland. So for the third time Balaam instead of cursing, blesses the people of Israel. With Balak angry he didn't even want to honor Balaam. He even said to Balaam "the Lord held you back from honor."
The fact remains that it is better to obey God than any sacrifice or offering you can make. God loves our faithfulness and obedience. Praise the Lord for Balaams eyes were opened on his way to the king of Moab.
A few things should happen in your life, this is my prayer for you:
Seek the face of the Lord before making choices.
Make sure to seek His consultation and consolation.
When making a choice make sure you walk the talk.
Do not commit sin on your way at all.
If God shows you an angel, praise His Name.
Miraculous things will happen on the way.
Your eyes may just open.
Immediately Build an Altar of Prayer when you arrive where you've been led.
Offer yourself. All of you for Him.
Seek His face continuously and pray without ceasing.
Even if you become unpopular, trust the Lord and follow Him.
Stick to the plan ordained by God, not human ordained plans.
Pray His will over His people in and out season.
Love you all.
Take Care
In His service
Till the End
The South African 'American'
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