The tale of Balaam and the talking donkey
For the entire month of June, the Powerzone Ministries' daily devotionals will focus on The Truth. You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. Does the truth set you free or make you free? Learn the difference by following and reading this month's devotionals.
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32
June 27, 2023 By Dr. George Bing
In our Daily Devotional yesterday, we left off with a question about Balaam's dilemma: should he go with the messengers to curse the Israelites or not? It's often said that when someone is told they can't have something, their desire for it only grows stronger. Balaam faced this temptation when the messengers returned to his residence, now a larger group. He told them he needed more time to consider King Balak's request and they would have to stay overnight again. But would the bribe be enough to sway him? During the night, God spoke to Balaam once more. He knew Balaam's heart was filled with a lust for wealth, so He advised him to go with the men since Balak had sent even more messengers. This may seem confusing, but let me explain.
Do you remember when you were a child and your parents told you not to do something you really wanted to do? You thought about it and even though you knew it was wrong, you still wanted to do it anyway. The reason your parents told you to go ahead is because they believed you would learn from your mistakes. Similarly, God is all-knowing and instructed Balaam to go with the messengers, even though it went against His own judgment. As Balaam traveled on a donkey, they encountered an Angel of the Lord blocking their path with a drawn sword. I believe this Angel represented the Truth of God's Word. The donkey tried to get around the Angel several times but eventually went down on all fours. Balaam, who was a sorcerer, became furious and beat the donkey for the third time. But then, something miraculous happened.
God gave the donkey the ability to speak. The donkey says“ What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smite me these three times?” Balaam was told by God ultimately, to bless the Israelites instead of cursing them. This story is a powerful reminder that when we accept the truth and operate in it, God can use anyone or anything to accomplish His will. God's plans and purposes will always prevail, even if we try to resist them. The truth shall make you free (John 8:32). Balaam said, "Behold, I have received commandment to bless and He hath blessed, and I cannot reverse it (Numbers 23:20)." When we align ourselves with God's will, nothing can stand in the way of His blessings and favor in our lives. What are your thoughts?
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