Nov 1 2011
Is Our Hope Focused on Holiness to the Lord ?
King Balak was livid with rage…. ‘I called you to curse my enemies and instead you have blessed them three times. (Numbers 24:10-13.)The Living Bible
“Balaam replied, ‘Didn’t I tell your messengers that even if you gave me a palace filled with silver and gold, I could not go beyond the words of Jehovah, and could not say a word of my own? I said that I would say only what Jehovah says!’
The King of Moab and a wayward prophet from the Euphrates valley hatched a plan to pox the encampment of Israel. You remember the story– an angel with drawn sword poised to pierce the clueless seer, the miserable beating and plaintive defense of a long-faithful donkey, followed by seven-fold sacrificial performances with impressive blood-lettings near overlooking cliffs. Yet, that day’s efforts to voodoo the Hebrew hoard resulted in total fiasco. It would have shown a bit of intelligence had those frustrated schemers saddled up and ridden on home permanently resigning themselves to God’s sovereign will.
Balak had already shown a surly lack of consideration to Israel by refusing the weary Canaan-bound travelers safe-passage through his kingdom. Down the path of history, that hateful meanness would net Moab national squelch. In the case of apostate Balaam, he practically did a u-turn upon reaching home and then tore back to Moab, enticed by the lure of filthy lucre. Whereas once he spoke only the words Jehovah planted in his mouth, this time he was on a mission for Satan designed to suck Israel into sex-sin and idolatry with the intention of turning the Chosen People into depraved rejects, easy pickings for their enemies. Thousands went partying with Midianite Mata Haris obligating God once again to lay divine wrath on them. Moses’ last military action before his own demise on Mt. Nebo, called for near-extermination of Midian. Five enemy chieftains were slain, and among the massacred lay renegade Balaam.
Balaam was once greatly respected because of the God-given gift of prophecy which he possessed, but like Judas, he threw that all away. Balak could have assisted God’s people and assured his nation’s future. Midian could have stayed close to Moses’ family and inherited the Messianic hope along with Israel.
What spiritual gifts has God bestowed on us? Do we cherish those gifts more than material riches? How do we respond when faced by the pleas of God’s careworn people needing safe passage or a helping hand along the highway of life? Is our hope focused on holiness to the Lord, or do the pleasures of this world ensnare us and others who take their cues from our words and actions?
Palaces filled with gold and silver mean nothing compared to the opportunity of bestowing blessings on those God loves. The Savior was anointed to give good news to the poor (Luke 4:18). He did exactly that during his earthly ministry through miracles of healing, feeding great crowds of His listeners, and teaching wonderful lessons that lifted the hearts of the common folks and the oppressed. With THANKSGIVING for all that He has done for us, perhaps we can change the course of our own personal history–living, and if necessary, dying “as happy as a righteous Israelite” (Numbers 23:10).
“O Israel, hope in the Lord; for he is loving and kind, and comes to us with armloads of salvation.”
Psalms 130:7.
“Praise him who led his people through the wilderness, for his lovingkindness continues forever.” Psalms 136:16.
“He is the God who keeps every promise, and gives justice to the poor and oppressed, and food to the hungry. He frees the prisoners, and opens the eyes of the blind; he lifts the burdens from those bent down beneath their loads. For the Lord loves good men. He protects the immigrants, and cares for the orphans and widows. But he turns topsy-turvy the plans of the wicked.” Psalms 146:6-9. The Living Bible.
Thankfully yours,
Mike Lynch
Missionary Partners in Central America