In the book of Numbers, chapter 22-24, we read an interesting story about a Gentile prophet of God named Balaam. There are several reasons to believe he was really a prophet of God because: 1. Who he blessed was blessed, and who he cursed was cursed (Num 22:6). 2. God spoke to him numerous times, and put words in his mouth (Num 22:9,11, 20, 32, 35; 23:5, 16; 24:2-4). 3. He spoke the words God gave him, and called God “The LORD his God” (Num 22:18). However, though he was a prophet, he made many bad decisions that ended up costing him his life. There are lot’s of lessons to learn from this Old Testament story, so let’s get into God’s Word.

In Numbers 22, we first see that Balak, king of the Moabites, wanted to hire Balaam to curse the children of Israel. He knew their numbers, and had heard of their God, and saw them destroy the Amorites; so he wanted them cursed. A delegation was sent to bribe Balaam, and so he prayed to God to see what he should do. God told him clearly not to go with them, and not to curse the children of Israel. So Balaam passed that along. That should be the end of the story, but it’s not. More men with more promises of wealth came to him from Balak, and although Balaam answered them correctly with his mouth, his heart was not right; as we see in vs. 19.

Balaam asked the men sent from Balak to stay the night so he could see if The Lord had something more to stay. Why did Balaam do this? He didn’t like God’s first answer in verse 12, because he was greedy for money. We find this out in the New testament in 2Pt 2:15 “Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness” and Jude 11 “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.” The lesson - The Love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1Tim 6:10). Jesus said you cannot serve God and money, you must choose (Mt 6:24). If money is your God, you will eventually perish; just like Balaam.

God tested Balaam’s heart, and he failed. God told Balaam if the men come to call, then he could go (vs. 20). But Balaam just rose up and went anyway (vs. 21). His heart was perverse (contrary, opposed to {vs. 32}). The lesson - Character is more important than gifting. Look at king Saul. Look at 1Cor 13. God cares more about your character than your charisma. Your gift might get you somewhere, but only your character will keep you there. If you don’t have integrity, discipline, self control, honesty, courage, kindness; who cares how well you speak or teach or sing or whatever. Balaam was a prophet of God, but he lacked character. And it cost him everything.

In vs. 23-30, we learn that disobedience leads to frustration. It’s quite likely that the reason Balaam was so angry at his donkey, was because he knew he shouldn’t be doing what he was doing in the first place. Often times, when we know we shouldn’t be doing something; we get mad at other people or kick the cat if we’re hindered in any way. That should be a red light to us to examine our heart. Why are you so frustrated? Could it be because your disobeying God? Let us be quick to obey the voice of The Father.

In vs. 31-33, we learn that the spiritual realm is as real, even more real, than the physical. The reason that donkey was doing all these things, was because she could see a spiritual being. Isaiah saw the spirit world (Isa. 6:1-8); as did Paul (2Cor 12:1-4), Elisha (2Kin 6:17), John (Revelation), and many others. I don’t see Jesus, but I know without question that He is real (1Pt 1:8). You don’t have to see something in order for it to exist. Have you seen the wind lately? You may have seen the effects of wind; but you can’t see wind. Go stand in a Catagory 5 hurricane and tell me the wind doesn’t exist because you can’t see it. Then when you die, you’ll be standing before that God you think doesn’t exist, either. Got Jesus?

I’m out of space for now, but Lord willing I’ll continue this next week. Until next time, rejoice in the Lord! (Phip 4:4)