Let's Ask Again! (Remember Balaam)

Then Balaam left and returned home, and Balak also went on his way. [Numbers 24.25]

The Scriptures, up to the point of Numbers 24.25, do not indicate exactly what Balaam did that got him killed by Israel later. But after Numbers 24.25 we get clues as to what took place in Balaam's encounter with Balak as the damning rest of the story.

“These are the very ones who followed Balaam’s advice and caused the people of Israel to rebel against the LORD at Mount Peor. They are the ones who caused the plague to strike the LORD’s people. [Numbers 31.16]

“But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. [Revelation 2.14]

And here is what took place resultant to Balaam's visit with Balak:

While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, some of the men defiled themselves by having sexual relations with local Moabite women. These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, so the Israelites feasted with them and worshiped the gods of Moab. In this way, Israel joined in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the LORD’s anger to blaze against his people. [Numbers 25.1-3]

Although the actual account of Balaam advising Balak to deceive Israel to worship Baal through the use of sex is not recorded, it IS referred to (as seen above). Suffice it to say, Balaam later died for his betrayal of Israel.

Balaam's communication with God gives reason for pause. At first Balaam is told by God NOT to go, then, later told by God to go. While this is definitely confusing, there is something that might be learned from it... If Balaam's story tells us anything, it warns of the danger of asking God again about something He already spoke definitively about.

In short, had Balaam simply stood his ground with Balak's messengers refusing to go as he had originally been instructed by God, we would not have Balaam's story! If anyone advises us, "Let's ask again," about something God has already said "no" to, we should remember Balaam!

So, as I am committed to try to do this year through the OYCB, where do I find Jesus in this story? I am happy to say Jesus is found in the midst of Balaam's rebellion in a prophecy that came through him:

This is the message Balaam delivered: “This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the message of the man whose eyes see clearly, the message of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: I see him, but not here and now. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel. It will crush the heads of Moab’s people, cracking the skulls of the people of Sheth. [Numbers 24.15-17]

It is not ironic that Jesus is declared in conjunction with the complicated sin of man's life.

This should blow our minds. God's message of love and redemption prevails and triumphs irrespective of circumstances and is unrestrained by sin and disobedience!

Father, You  are good and You prevail even when we are disobedient and stubborn. May we learn from Balaam to obey You without question. May we also learn from Balaam that Jesus prevails regardless of our sin. So be it.