33: God allowed It, but didn't want it (Num 22:22-35)

Though God had permitted him to go, God didn’t mean it.

πŸ‘‰ Read Numbers 22:22-35


The angel of the Lord tried to stop Balaam on his road. But he couldn’t see him. His donkey (             ) him and tried to turn from the angel, and Balaam (           ) her. This happened (           ) times.

What was the reason for Balaam’s anger?

The angel said to Balaam, “Look, I came out to (                ) you because what you are doing is (              ) before me.”

Balaam said to the angel, “I have sinned, for I did not (            ) that you stood against me in the road. If it is (          ) in your sight, I will go back home.”


Answers and Meditation

Saw, beat, three

The prophet Balaam’s eyes were blinded by his love for money and fame and failed to recognize God’s angel. Three times, the donkey saw the angel, but three times, Balaam failed.

 

“You have made me look stupid.”

Balaam cared about his reputation as a divinist.

However, this would be the reason for God’s wrath. Balaam, who had refused to come, later agreed to come when he saw a good portion of wealth. Such a behavior made God look like a money lover.

 

Oppose, perverse

As Balaam failed to recognize God's intention, God used a physical force to let him know.

However, such a way is God's grace that enlightens our eyes to see our hidden purpose. So that we don't move on to greater sin. Balak's reward would have compelled Balaam to curse Israel if the angel had not appeared to Balaam. Then Balaam would be cursed according to God's promise to Abraham. Therefore, God warned Balaam twice not to say anything other than what God would give him. Balaam finally asks if he should return after realizing he did not follow God's will.


Know, evil

Balaam understood that he sinned because he failed to recognize the angel. Still, he didn’t know that his sin was not submitting to the Lord from his heart.


When we don't follow the Lord from our hearts, the Lord reluctantly allows us to do what our hearts desire. The Lord has allowed it, but it may not be what the Lord wants. The Lord spoke to Balaam at first, 'Israel is blessed, so refuse Balak's request.' If you lose your first love and first heart for obedience, your channel with the Lord will be blocked. You won't know what the Lord wants. The Lord would not reveal His heart to the one who has no interest in His heart.

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