Numbers 24 - Speaking Unpopular Truth

In this chapter, Balaam has an epiphany. He realized that it pleased The Lord to bless Israel and he decided to stop resisting God's message. He didn't use sorcery but calls himself "one who sees clearly". He issues several oracles blessing Israel and cursing the nations set against them. 

Balak the king sends him home with no pay. But before Balaam leaves he issues more prophesies; some yet to be fulfilled. The prophesies foretell Jesus' coming in judgement and executing God's wrath on the nations. (Num 24:17-19). 

Balaam finally set his feet firmly on the side of God come what may. He saw that no one can stand against God and win. God chooses whom He will bless and whom He will curse. Shame on us if we allow the cursed to maintain a sense of security and shame on us if we side with the cursed. 

Really there are only two nations on this planet. Those who are born again into God's family by receiving the sacrifice for sin Christ offers and those who reject Christ's offer. Some can try to live in two camps without making a commitment, but in not making a commitment they have in fact made a choice. We Christians who operate from God's camp have truth to proclaim and it may not be welcomed.  We know God is Holy and condemns sin and we are all born sinners having no hope. But God in His great love sent His only son to pay our penalty so that we could have life and escape death. 

We need to be bold in sharing our witness to those who do not know this love. It means confronting sin and sharing its penalty. Those engaged in sin do not like to hear about the death penalty, but it must not stop us from sharing truth. Perhaps one will hear and turn from sin and embrace the free offe of salvation God offers. We once did; and we know that we were dead in our sins before God saved us. 

There is no room for compromise. If we do not speak out against sin and warn people, we have to question the validity if our own salvation. Are we truly in God's camp if we will not share the gospel with a dying friend?  There is room at the cross for any who will embrace it. 

Truth has consequences but so does sin. We must determine like Balaam that come what may we must share truth and warn people of he judgment to come. It could be soon that Jesus returns to settle the debts. Let's examine ourselves to be sure that we are wholly in God's camp and draw more into that camp by sharing the truth of salvation with someone. 

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