Read Numbers 24:10-25
After all of that, Balaam received no reward from the king. That promise of riches was taken away when Balaam didn’t deliver the curse Balak wanted. The reward we receive is for doing good and having faith and trust in our God. I wonder if God extended that grace and mercy to Balaam as well.
We may not always understand what God’s will is for our lives, but we can clearly see here that it was his intention to protect his people Israel and give them victory over the people who would stand in their way. Even Balaam, an outsider, realized that and was used by God to further God’s will.
God’s ultimate will was to bring his son into the world to save and not condemn. Balaam had been given quite a message to share with the king of Moab. His words were not meant to pertain to the here and now but the future. “A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel.” What did you think when you read that? For me, it was the star of Bethlehem announcing the birth of our Savior. The scepter acknowledges Jesus’ authority and power.
Jesus’ own words in John 3:17 say, “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” God’s will was revealed to Balaam so many generations earlier. God would also use other mighty men to crush Moab and the surrounding nations to protect Israel. Personally, I don’t think God has ever abandoned his people despite how history has played out over the years.
The bottom line is this. “Alas, who can survive unless God has willed it?” Such wise words from Balaam. This speaks to us still today, assuring us that God is in control. We may feel like things in this world are spiraling away from God, but he did promise that would happen.
Psalm 68:20 has a great message for us today. “Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death.” The Bible has many verses to help remind us about seeking God’s will for our lives. Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Focus on God’s will for your life and thank him for his continued protection.
Let’s pray. Lord, your ways are always perfect, and I thank you for all your provisions. While I don’t always understand how you are moving, help me to set that aside and trust you with my life. I long to know you more and want to be living in your will for my life. Open my eyes to see you clearly as well as the path you have laid out for me. May I carry your message of love into the world. May everything I say and do be honoring to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
