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

Balaam talks to a donkey! 

There is humor to this story, as is sometimes the case when people who think only about money are blinded to other more important matters going on around them

First, Balaam’s donkey went way off the road into a field. Then she got too close to a wall and crushed his foot against the wall. Having struck her on each of these occasions, Balaam really got angry when she laid down under him. But when he struck her again, a strange thing happened. “Then the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?’” (verse 28). 

What strikes us is that this is so incongruous, so unlike God. But that is precisely the way God is. God wants to communicate His will to us, and He is infinitely creative. He has the right to do anything He pleases. He can employ any variety of means to reach us. He is not limited in any way. He wants us to know His will, and He will speak to us in any way possible in order to get through to us. Balaam was so blinded, so intent upon having his own way, that he couldn't see what God was trying to say. So God spoke to him through the donkey. 

But the next few verses show Balaam having a conversation with his donkey about what had just happened! Imagine Balaam talks to the donkey!! Balaam was still so blinded that he did not realize that it was the donkey speaking to him, because he speaks right back to the donkey! Verses 29 through 31

Balaam was blinded by the cataracts of cash and he failed to see what he ought to have seen. 

What is more difficult: to open the mouth of the donkey or to open the eyes of Balaam? For Balaam was blinded by his greed. He was going to have that money if it cost him everything! It took a supernatural act on the part of God to open his eyes to see what he was doing. 

Then the angel of the Lord speaks to him, and notice Balaam's response, verses 32 through 34:

And Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, "I have sinned, for I did not know that you were standing in the way against me. Now then, if it is displeasing to you, I will turn back."

He says he has sinned, yet he does not want to turn back. His mind is still set on going. He still does not acknowledge that he has displeased God.

How often does the Spirit of God have to speak to Balaam before he gets the point? How often has God to speak to you before you turn around from the wrong way and do that which pleases God? Do you say sorry and still do the same things that displease God?

Quote: 

“Are you learning to say things after listening to God or are you saying things and trying to make God's word fit in?” - Oswald Chambers

Prayer: 

Lord I thank You that You are a God who speaks. Help me to listen and not be like Balaam. Help me to turn around (repent) and follow You. Amen