A Pagan Obeys

Numbers 22
 
Numbers 22:18 But Balaam answered them, “Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the LORD my God.”
 
WE will take some time to review this account of Balaam in Numbers 22-24. It is one of the places in the Bible when God interacts with a pagan man to accomplish his will for Israel and for your salvation. I encourage you to read each chapter to more fully know God’s purposes here.
    Do you need a public relations person? Hire God. He’s great at advertising who you are as you follow him. The Hebrews were developing a fearsome reputation. They were numerous; they were warriors. Tribes who lived along Israel’s desert journey became afraid of them. In response, these  people groups attacked Israel, whose well-trained army won many victories. Yes, the desert journey was more than wandering. It was also strengthening, defending and conquering.
    In response, Balak, a king in Moab, hired Balaam, a well-known priest of sorcery, to curse Israel, so they would turn from Moab. Or perhaps the curse would destroy them. God, though, protected his people.
    Can Balaam really bring a curse on people? Scripture does give us examples of people who have some power to affect others’ lives and to prophesy. (See Acts 16.) Of course, this is done only with God’s permission. However, as it is today, there are people who pretend to have supernatural powers by using particular language and trickery to influence susceptible minds. This is one way Satan wars against God. Ignorance of God opens our minds to believe lies.
    The Holy God confronts Balaam to keep him from his evil mission. Balaam, the pagan, recognized God’s power. It’s as the demons who Jesus’ disciples confronted: Luke 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” Yes, even the pagan priest Balaam obeyed God and rejected Balak’s generous bribe. We in the church today will do well to remember Balaam’s submissive words. The pagan had a proper fear of the Holy God – more-so than many Israelites.
    There are many Bible verses that speak of the fear of God being the key to wisdom of God. For example, Proverbs 15:33 “The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom”. A proper fear of God means we understand he has the power and will to bless those who obey him. And he has the power and will to judge those who disobey. God gave to Balaam a spirit to honor God’s commands.
    Let’s pray for the Holy Spirit to pour the same into us.
  
What do you say? God’s will be done or yours?