Today’s Blog: Do we Need a Donkey?
TODAY’S PROVERB: Because you refused when I called, and did not pay attention when I stretched out my hand . . . Proverbs 1:24, TLV
It’s March 1st, already! Time to rollback the scroll to Proverbs chapter one. Why study Proverbs each day, over and over again? I don’t know about you, but I need constant reminders. But even more than that, I need the constant input because the more repetition, the deeper the insights. Continuing to abide in wisdom means we will receive new revelations, deeper insights, and reminders of His truths.
It’s also part of living the Bible — not just studying it. Learning how to be wise and honing our discernment and cleaning out our spiritual ears to better listen for our Heavenly Father’s directions . . . and warnings.
This all reminds me of the story of Balaam. You might remember the clairvoyant-for-hire and his conversations with his talking donkey (Numbers chapters 22-24).
On the surface, it may read like a fairy tale with a happy ending. Chapters 22-24 record Balaam’s decisions to turn down the Moabite king Balak’s bribe to curse Israel. With each of the king’s offers, Balaam listens to GOD’s warnings and refuses the bribes. Instead he blesses Israel. Was he now a follower of the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Would he only pay attention to His voice?
Many voices . . .
The reality is, Balaam listened to many voices, not just GOD’s — or his donkey’s. He was a medium whose job it was to listen to the lying and deceptive demonic voices around him. Ever wonder why Balaam wasn’t surprised that his donkey spoke?
Balaam was well aware of the word out on Israel. He’d heard about the miracles GOD had performed on behalf of Israel. But, that wasn’t enough to sway Balaam from following evil direction by listening to those other voices.
In fact, in the very next chapter (25), “someone” instructs the Moabite women to infiltrate Israel’s camp. In short order, even Jewish leaders succumbed to the seduction and participated in all sorts of pagan rituals. As a result, GOD destroyed a lot of people — Jews and Moabites — in a plague and by the sword.
Then, the Lord curses Moab and her people.
And who was the “someone”?
“But I have a few things against you. You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who was teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before Bnei-Yisrael [children of Israel], to eat food sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. “
THE ANGEL OF MESSIAH’S COMMUNITY IN EPHESUS, REVELATION 2:14, TLV [EMPHASIS MINE]
Our Heavenly Father who had given Balaam ample opportunity to turn from his ways, must finally have His vengeance on Midian (Numbers 31). And in that violent end, Balaam receives his judgment and is killed (Numbers 31:8).
Why “Go there?”
So, why go there with this blog? Staying in GOD’s word daily — as best as possible — strengthens us in our ability to not only recognize His Voice, but to respect Him in holy fear and awe. He is the only GOD. He is the only One we serve.
There are many voices out there that can distract us when He calls. These voices can keep us so occupied we may not pay attention to His redemptive, outstretched arm. To even ignore His warnings when there is serious danger ahead. But, we have a choice to fill our mind with His word, and shove out any other voices that seek to deceive and pull us away.
Let’s not follow Balaam’s journey, but choose to follow the path of GOD’s wisdom. To heed His Voice alone.
May we come when we’re called, my friends.
Proverbs 1:24 Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs
HAVE VOICES EVER TRIED TO DISTRACT YOU? IF THIS BLOG HAS BLESSED YOU, PLEASE SHARE. THANKS SO MUCH.
