I believe it pretty much goes without saying that “God’s ways are best.” But how many of you have a knowingness of God’s ways but don’t necessarily chose God’s way over your own way? There’s a BIG difference between "saying" and "doing" – isn’t there? I believe it was Bernard Shaw who said, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
Today’s story is about a seemingly-religious man who seemed to have some good intentions, but his follow-through was lacking. He had one foot in religion and one foot in the world. He reminds me of Paul’s prophetic description of those who will be living in the last days, - "…having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." (2 Tim 3:5)
Balaam was such a man, but a closer look at him can help us understand why he acted as he did and why God dealt with him the way he did. For instance:
Balaam was a gentile from Mesopotamia – which point is easily overlooked. Since he speaks with God, most figure he’s a righteous man – wrong. Apparently he was considered a prophet, but he wasn’t; at least not in the Biblical sense. A more accurate description would be a sorcerer from the Far East. Apparently he was renowned for placing effective curses on people. That’s why King Balak called on him to place a curse on Balak’s enemies. In this case, the enemy was the Israelites.
In OT times, sorcerers were thought to have influence with the gods. So the king of Moab wanted Balaam to use his influence with god (whoever god was) to place a curse on Israel. Just as obviously, neither Balaam nor Balak had any idea who they were dealing with!
Interestingly enough, Balaam acknowledged that Jehovah (the God of the Israelites) was indeed a powerful God. But he didn’t believe He was the only true God. Nevertheless, he was ready to obey Jehovah’s command as long as he could profit by doing so.
Although Balaam realized the awesome power of Israel’s God, his heart became distracted by the wealth he could gain in Moab – greed has a way of doing that. Reading this story by itself might lead us to believe he turned completely to God, but later we see that Balaam couldn’t resist the attraction of money and power. “...having a form of godliness but denying its power...”
Balaam did have some knowledge of God, but not enough to turn whole-heartedly to God. He knew God’s way was the best way, but he had his own agenda. One other thing about Balaam; if you’re like me, you might read this story and scratch your head wondering, “Why would God speak through or even use a sorcerer like Balaam?” Here’s why:
* First, Balaam was available for God to use much as he Cyrus, King of Persia, to free the Israelites, or Caesar Augustus to get Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem so His son could be born there according to prophecy. God wanted to give a message to the Moabites. The Moabites had chosen to employ Balaam. So God used Balaam. God can use someone to accomplish His purpose even if that person could care less about God.
* Second, I believe God was giving Balaam a chance, as he does with every one of us, a chance to turn to God. Throughout the course of our lives, God tries repeatedly to get our attention because he loves us. The question is; will we be listening when he calls? Balaam had a direct encounter with God. It was an incredible opportunity to get his life on track, but he blew it. God had a plan and Balaam was in it, but Balaam had his own plan.
There are some definite reasons why a person gets out of the Will of God.
Sometimes we wouldn’t recognize God’s Will if it hit us square in the face. Why? Because we aren’t paying attention or just plain aren’t interested - OR - we see it, but choose to ignore it because it’s not in our plans. The fact is, however, our plans never deter God from His plans, but they may keep us out of His plan
Like I said, God keeps trying to get our attention. In this case, He even used a Donkey to teach Balaam a lesson in divine direction - and I believe that same lesson can help us.
LESSON #1: When God asks us to do something, he’s looking for absolute obedience. (v. 12)
God told Balaam: “Don’t go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.”
So, what part of “No!” didn’t he understand? There was no question what God wanted. This reminds me of Jonah 1:1-2 – “The word of the LORD came to Jonah: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.’” Like Jonah, Balaam didn’t get into trouble because God didn’t give good directions. He got in trouble because he didn’t follow them.
Balaam understood God perfectly the first time Balak’s emissary tried to hire him. The second time around, however, Balak sweetened the deal by sending a larger, more distinguished group and by adding some tempting perks.
Instead of standing firm, Balaam weakened. He told them “I tell you what fellas, why don’t you spend the night, and I’ll go find out what else the Lord has to say.” What did he mean, “What else . . .” as though God had changed His mind. But, after all, the stakes were higher this time around.
I have a feeling that Balaam’s prayer was one of those arm-twisting kind of prayers where you act like you’re interested in doing the right thing, but in reality, you’re just letting God in on your plans for what you think is best for your life. God, however, had NOT changed his mind.
As it is written, “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind.” Guess who made that quote? Balaam, one chapter later as God spoke through him to Balak.
• When God asks you to do something, he’s looking for your obedience, not your interpretation. Don’t be surprised if the enemy comes to test your resolve to follow God. Satan is smart. If he doesn’t succeed at first to get you to compromise, he’ll come back later and sweeten the deal. He’ll try to make you believe you can have God’s way and your way at the same time. Don’t buy it!
It’s been said, “Sometimes God punishes us by allowing us to have our own way.” How many of you would admit with me that there’s been times when you’ve compromised God’s Will for your life? Not a good idea.
LESSON #2: When we step out of God’s will, He often puts roadblocks in the way to get our attention. (v. 22)
God let Balaam go with Balak’s messengers, but he was angry at Balaam. The man claimed he would not go against God, but his resolve was slipping, and God knew it. Balaam’s greed blinded him to how God was trying to guide him. Though we may know what God wants us to do, we can become blinded by the desire for money, possessions, or prestige.
Sometimes God will even "stand in the road to oppose us" if he doesn’t like the way we’re going. He loves us and tries to get us to turn around if we’re going the wrong way. He doesn’t just abandon us. He keeps trying to get our attention before we hurt ourselves. If you step out of the Will of God, he won’t let you go without putting a couple of "STOP" signs in the road to try getting your attention. Problem is, if you’re already in "cruise control", you may not even see them. And if you do, they may only irritate you.
So here comes Balaam down the road, so sure of himself, so confident of his mission. God wants to have a little talk with him, but he doesn’t have time for it. Ever notice how we always have time for God when we want something? Now God wants a minute of his time, and Balaam’s about to get irritated and even ticked off. He’s got places to go, things to do and money to make.
How many of you get frustrated when things don’t go according to plan – especially when you’re traveling? There’s nothing worse than being in a hurry and your car breaks down, or you make a wrong turn. More than 1 person has lost his religion over a flat tire! Balaam had transportation problems, and for a supposedly spiritual guy, he didn’t handle it too well. In fact, he was about to make a real donkey of himself.
Let’s review: Balaam heard but disobeyed God. It appeared he was doing the right thing, but he was doing it the wrong way and for the wrong reasons. It’s called “compromise.”
• He was covering up his own agenda with a spiritual “game plan”. So God “opposed him.”
• In an attempt to get his attention, God sent an angels to block the way. The donkey saw the angels standing there, swords drawn - and he went off the road. • What did Balaam do? He beat him! I wonder what he said while he tried to change that flat!!
• The more we are disobedient, the more God’s attempts to get us back "on course" becomes a source of irritation.
LESSON #3: When God puts a roadblock in your path, don’t beat someone else for it!
Many times, God tries to get our attention, and we just won’t listen. So He backs off and allows something to happen we’re not too thrilled about. Then we say, “Hey God, what’s going on? Did I do something wrong?” (like we really don’t know). Instead of listening to reason, our pride and anger well up. We get irritated by our problems and take it out on some innocent victim. How many times have you “beat the wrong horse” when God was specifically trying to get your attention?
• When we strike out at innocent people, it can be a sign that something is wrong with us. Don’t let your own hurt pride lead you to hurt others.
Now, donkeys were kind of like a pick-up truck for a farmer. They were generally quite dependable, which may explain why Balaam became so angry when his donkey refused to move.
Look at this: three times Balaam beats his reliable donkey because he was too wrapped up in himself to see God’s road block in front of him. By the 3rd time he got his staff out he was going ballistic!!! Red-in-the-face and spitting mad!
Then, right there in the middle of Balaam’s donkey-beatin’ hissy fit, God opened the donkey’s mouth, and it started talking. I wish I could’ve been there for that one! The original "Mr. Ed".
The donkey demanded, “What on earth have I done to you to make you beat me these 3 times?” Notice that Balaam, supposedly one of the wisest of men, doesn’t seem at all surprised by this talking donkey. Instead, he proceeds to have a rational conversation with one of God’s most ignorant animals. When his counseling session was over, however, the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes to see what he’d been missing. Wonder who felt like a donkey then?
When God “opens our eyes”, and we see how far off course we’ve gotten, we’re faced with a crucial decision: turn back to God - or - defy him and go farther down the road to destruction.
LESSON #4: Once you recognize your mistake, humble yourself, ask forgiveness of those you’ve hurt, repent, and next time don’t be so mule-headed.
In verse 31, Balaam "bowed low and fell facedown." Balaam learned an embarrassing lesson at the hands of a donkey. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Pride will separate us from God.
Balaam owed his faithful donkey an apology. Perhaps there’s someone in your life you’ve treated harshly. Someone who loved you enough to try and step in between you and the danger you were heading for. When God turns you around, the first thing you should do is find them and apologize. Then, don’t just feel bad. Do what’s right. Remember, “Obedience is better than sacrifice.”
• Repentance isn’t just a temporary right turn...it’s a permanent 180; a turn in the opposite direction in attitude and obedience. Turn your face and give your heart fully to the Lord.
Please join with me in prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive us for our selfish blindness we pray, and do not abandon us to our pride. Open our hearts to your instruction, to serve you first and always, in Jesus’ name. Amen
(adapted from a sermon by
Wayde Wilson "Donkeys, Detours, and Divine Direction"
February 2002 - SermonCentral.com)
