Don’t Be A Fool, Learn From The Donkey - Life Lessons From Balaamনমুনা

God looks into Balaam’s greedy heart 

In the initial encounter, it seems that Balaam is a godly man, because He says that “God has refused to give me permission to go with you” 

The second time King Balak sent messengers with the same request to come and curse Israel, we learn that Balaam truly did want to go with them, presumably to earn the diviner’s fee (verses 15-21). As a further enticement by King Balak, Balaam was now told that he would be honored and that he could name his own terms for coming. He could set his own price!

Balaam showed his true colors when he allowed the second set of messengers to stay the night and said that he would enquire of the Lord again. Balaam's prayer was pure pretense. God had already told him how He felt about it. To ask God about something on which he had already made up his mind was sheer pretense.

But it appears that God changed His mind, because He had said earlier, "Balaam, don't go. You shall not go." And then later He says, "Balaam, go." Why? 

The key to this dilemma is found in Balaam's words to the emissaries, found in verse 18, where he says, "Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything." 

From this statement, God exposes to us the real heart of this man. Balaam wanted silver and gold. The reason he had not gone before was not that he wanted to be obedient to God, but that there really was no conflict of wills. The price wasn't right before. They hadn't offered enough. But now there is a conflict of wills. His love for money is conflicting with his love for God, and he is determined to get what he wants.

Peter emphases this side of Balaam when he writes about men in the church who were false teachers in 2 Peter 2:15 " . . . followed the way of Balaam, who loved the wages of unrighteousness . . ." 

In Psalm 106:15, we are informed that God gave Israel their request, but He sent them leanness of soul. You can get what you want, if you want it bad enough, but it may cost you more than you ever dreamed.

Notice what happens in verses 21 and 22: So Balaam arose early in the morning, and saddled his donkey, and went with the leaders of Moab. But God was angry because he was going and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as his adversary against him.

His departure early in the morning shows what was in Balaam’s greedy heart. 

Balaam loved cash more than character. He thought more of gold than of God. He would do anything if the price was right. Are you like him? 

Quote: 

“Greed is not a financial issue. It's a heart issue”. - Andy Stanley 

Prayer: 

Lord search my heart and check if my heart is for You or greedy for what the world has to offer. Amen