Ch 22
God uses all sorts of means and methods to demonstrate His ways and paths. Some of these are completely out of the ordinary and unexpected, some are just in the mundane and routine. We must never close our eyes or ears to the things God is saying.
The chink in Balaam's armour was his disobedience to God without even realising it. He did not understand or see the ways of God - God was blessing whilst Balaam was cursing. Be careful with the temptations you fall into - guard your heart carefully.
Ch 23-24 Balaam's oracles:
God's special purposes for & care of the people of Israel:
God has not cursed Israel
God has not denounced Israel
God has blessed Israel - that cannot be changed
No misery is observed in Israel
The Lord their God is with them, the shout of the King among them, God brought them out of Egypt
They have the strength of a wild ox
The people of Israel will rise like a lioness
Their tents are beautiful, their dwelling places
They will know and enjoy abundance
God brought them out of Egypt
They will know blessing
Balaam was now understanding & knowing God's hand of goodness on the Israelites. He was in control and blessing them.
Ch 23-24 Balaam as spokesman for God and minister of His word
Balaam recognises the awesome responsibility - He can only say what God says & will not swerve from it either way.
For us, there is a compulsion to preach - we can only say what God says. God's words are the ones that bring life
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