Second Guessing

Balaam's story often makes me completely confused and a bit angry. Did God not instruct Balaam to go with the men Balak had sent? Hint, God did indeed.

So, why did Balaam get a bad rap?

To perhaps gain a little better perspective, it is necessary to back up to yesterday's reading. Balaam, at first, told the men he would not go... Why? Because GOD, at first, told Balaam not to go! God's "consent" for Balaam to go was not until the second inquiry into the matter.

I think I am beginning to see what is going on here... Although Balaam had indeed heard from God the first time, perhaps he was not entirely convinced. Or, perhaps for whatever reason, Balaam thought God was being a little too harsh...

Regardless, had Balaam stood by his first response to Balak's men, none to Balaam's problems would have occurred.

I wonder how many times I hear from God on a matter and then go back to God a second time either because I am not entirely convinced or not entirely obedient?

Father, I want to obey the first time!