Biblical Reflections · Christian Life
Losing our way?
5 min read, approximately
“The Israelites settled in Acacias, and there the men began to corrupt themselves with Moabite women. These women invited the Israelites to join them in sacrifices to their false gods, and the Israelites ate those sacrifices and worshiped those false gods. In this way, Israel began worshiping Baal Peor, which made the LORD angry with Israel.” (Numbers 25:1-3)
People generally discuss Israel, but we will focus on the one who led the people of Israel into what is described in Numbers 25:1-3.
“These women, following Balaam’s counsel, caused the children of Israel to act unfaithfully against the Lord in the matter of Peor, which brought death upon the Lord’s congregation.” (Numbers 31:16)
Who was Balaam (Balam)?
“So he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, beside the river in the land of his people, to summon him, saying: A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and live opposite me. Come now, please, and curse this people for me, because they are stronger than I am. Perhaps I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that whoever you bless will be blessed, and whoever you curse will be cursed.” (Numbers 22:5-6)
Balaam (Balam) was a prophet, a man God used powerfully, so much so that he was known for this: “I know that whoever you bless will be blessed, and whoever you curse will be cursed.”…A man with authority, and as the icing on the cake, a man who spoke with God! But there was something… an area deep in his heart that he had not allowed God to govern: greed. What is ours?
God knows even our most private thoughts
Do you know? Nothing is hidden from God, and he truly knows the intention of our heart! (Jeremiah 17:10)
“The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian went with payments for divination in their hands, came to Balaam, and delivered Balak’s words. He said to them: Stay here tonight, and I will give you an answer according to what the Lord tells me. So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.” (Numbers 22:7-8)
Wait! Let us review this carefully… We are offered money to curse someone, and we say we will see what God tells us?! Distracted?
Yet God is great, good, and merciful, so he will give us opportunities to correct our path and return to him, because he does not want anyone to go astray! (2 Peter 3:9)
“Then God said to Balaam: Do not go with them or curse the people, for they are blessed.” (Numbers 22:12)
Sadly, he did not care about what God had told him; his own interest was stronger, so he was tempted to say again:
“Now, therefore, please stay here tonight, so that I may learn what else the Lord says to me.” (Numbers 22:19)
How many of us have neglected our relationship with God? How many have wanted to disguise evil as good? A short circuit in our discernment? (Isaiah 5:20) Sadly, Balaam had already lost his way!
“God’s anger burned because he was going, and the angel of the Lord stood in the road to oppose him.” (Numbers 22:22a)
And what finally happened to Balaam?
“Each person is tempted when drawn away and enticed by their own desire. Then desire, after conceiving, gives birth to sin; and sin, when fully grown, gives birth to death. My beloved brothers and sisters, do not be deceived.” (James 1:14-16)
So…
“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Avenge the children of Israel against the Midianites; afterward you will be gathered to your people.” (Numbers 31:1)
“They fought against Midian as the Lord had commanded Moses, and killed every male. Among those killed were the kings of Midian: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword.” (Numbers 31:7-8)
How is our relationship with God?
Balaam took his eyes off the Lord and met a bad end, but today you and I can return to the path if we desire:
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who, for the joy set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Will we take counsel from this story?
“Therefore, let the one who thinks they stand firm take care not to fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)
Should this not be a warning to hold more firmly to the Lord, continue meditating on the Word, pray, fast, cry out, and seek God’s presence? Is there an area or something in our lives that is distracting us?
Let us cast off every sin that besets us, so that it does not distract us from the high calling, and accept Christ’s full rule over our lives! (Hebrews 12:1, Philippians 3:14)
Today is a good day to say to the Lord:
“Lord Jesus Christ, take control. I accept your rule over my whole being; guide my steps, for you steer my heart.”.
“I have been crucified with Christ, and I live, yet no longer I, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside God’s grace, for if righteousness came through the law, then Christ died in vain.” (Galatians 2:20-21)
What do you say? Psst! Yes, you! Come on… do not get distracted!
_**Remember to stop by the Songbook
May God continue to bless you, and may you continue to have an excellent day in Christ Jesus!