In Numbers, we get to read the story of a man named Balaam. Balaam is an interesting character used by God. He didn't believe in the Lord as the only true God. In fact, he was a sorcerer. He was often called upon by others, especially political leaders, to put curses on other nations.
We see him summoned by Balak, king of Moab, for a specific purpose. He is to curse the Israelites. Balaam asks for God's advice, and He eventually tells Balaam to go with the messengers to see Balak. How crazy that a sorcerer, someone who participates in magical practices, would call on the God of Israel, and even listen to Him. God ends up speaking to him again, but this time trough a donkey.
All of this story is extremely interesting to me, but it's not what I'm here to write about. It's crazy that a sorcerer would follow God's command in the midst of his dark practice, and that God would speak through a donkey, but what stands out the most is what happens when Balaam finally meets Balak.
"When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the Moabite town on the Arnon border, at the edge of his territory. Balak said to Balaam, "Did I no send you an urgent summons? Why didn't you come to me? Am I really no able to reward you?" "Well, I have come to you now," Balaam replied. "But can I say just anything? I must speak only what God puts in my mouth." Then Balaam went with Balak to Kiriath Huzoth. Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and gave some to Balaam and the princes who were with him. The next morning Balak took Balaam up to Bamoth Baal, and form there he saw part of the people." Numbers 23:36-41
So after this, Balaam speaks his fist oracle, or prophecy. But Balak wasn't pleased with what the Lord said through Balaam. Balak was wanting him to speak curses over Israel. So Balak decided to take him to another place where he could see the people, the field of Zophim on the top of Pisgah. So Balaam prophesied again, but Balak was still not pleased with what he heard. Balak then took him to the top of Peor, overlooking the wasteland. Balaam spoke his third prophecy, but just as before, Balak wasn't pleased.
"Then Balak's anger burned against Balaam. He struck his hands together and said to him, "I summoned you to curse my enemies, but you have blessed them these three times. Now leave at once and go home! I said I would reward you handsomely, but the Lord has kept you from being rewarded." Numbers 24:10-11
Super interesting story.
Balak took Balaam to several different places to try to entice him to curse the Israelites. He thought that changing the scenery would help change Balaam's mind. He found out however, that changing locations, won't change the Lord's will.
We have to learn how to face the sources of our problems. Running away, or moving to a different location to escape problems will only make solving those problems harder. Most of the time, a change in scenery isn't what needs to be fixed.
We need to change our heart.
Here's to a glance at a day in my life,
Derick
