Numbers 23 - Cursing What God has Blessed

Balaam is in deep. He has undertaken a path with his foot in two camps. On one side, God has given him clear messages that Israel is blessed and that he must not speak against them. On the other side, he is working for Balak the King as a contract prophet to curse the king's enemies. 

Balaam even helps the king build altars to Gid and offer sacrifices there. Once the sacrifices were made, Balaam meets with God and Gid places a blessing on Israel to the shock of the king. 

Foolishly, the king brings Balaam to another location to view Israel and asks again for Balaam to issue a curse. The second message not only blesses Israel, but also confronts Balak the king at the same time. Furthermore, God is not afraid of sorcery or divination; He is Almighty and no one stands against Him.   Even though God bluntly told the king the God doesn't change his mind, Balak says let's go to another location and perhaps God will change His stand from there. 

Balak was both foolish and strong willed. He would not accept the word of God when it went against His thinking. He would not change his course and he ran up against a God who would not change His. Balaam was caught in the cross-hairs of the battle with no opportunity to escape. 

We are foolish if we think as Christians we can live like the world and avoid the judgement of God. We are sent to the world to give them God's message for the people, that there is a hope for redemption if they will just accept it. Many headstrong people living for themselves will not accept that offer because it is a paradigm shift that would alter their course. Many are just like Balak, but for the grace of God we were also once caught in sin and did not seek righteousness. For those that God has softened their hearts, they will hear and believe if we will be faithful. 

Balaam will forever be remembered as the compromiser who would not stand solidly for God and Balak will be forever documented in scripture for his hard-headed refusal to accept God's warning. I pray you, dear Christian will stand firm in your faith and boldly proclaim truth to those who do not know. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.