38"Well, I have come to you now," Balaam replied. "But I can’t say whatever I please. I must speak only what God puts in my mouth." - P81
31Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown.
32The angel of the Lord asked him, "Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me.
33The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If it had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared it." - P80
When Balaam’s eyes are finally opened, he realizes the danger he was in all along. The angel of the Lord makes it clear: Balaam’s path is reckless, and had it not been for the donkey’s resistance, he would have perished. - P82
But even with such a stern warning, Balaam does not fully surrender. He offers to return home, but his heart is still inclined toward his own desires. - P82
Sometimes, we ignore God’s clear direction and persist in our own plans. Even when He places obstacles in our way, we still hope to twist the circumstances to our advantage. - P82
But in His mercy, God calls us to repentance and gives us opportunities to realign our hearts with His will. - P82
Balak welcomes Balaam with the expectation that he will curse Israel in exchange for riches. His approach is transactional; he believes that Balaam, like other diviners, can be bought. He even prepares sacrifices, hoping to secure Balaam’s cooperation. - P82
This scene illustrates a deeper spiritual reality: the enemy is relentless in his attempts to lure us away from obedience to God. - P82
He plays on our weaknesses, whether they be financial struggles, desire for approval, or fear of loss. - P82
Just as Balaam faced repeated pressure from Balak, we, too, will encounter temptations designed to pull us from God’s path. Yet, God calls us to unwavering commitment. - P82
True obedience requires vigilance and the resolve to follow Him, regardless of what is offered in exchange for turning away. - P82
Lord, open my eyes to recognize the subtle ways the enemy seeks to pull me away from You. - P83
Strengthen my heart to choose obedience over compromise. Let me find my security in You alone, trusting that Your ways are always better than any earthly gain. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P83
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