Scripture:
Numbers 23:16-20 NKJV
[16] Then the Lord met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, “Go back to Balak, and thus you shall speak.” [17] So he came to him, and there he was, standing by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab were with him. And Balak said to him, “What has the Lord spoken?” [18] Then he took up his oracle and said: “Rise up, Balak, and hear! Listen to me, son of Zippor! [19] “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? [20] Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I can not reverse it.
Observation:
This story always intrigued me. The Moabite king named Balak was getting worried. Because at the very edge of his kingdom, Israel had taken up residents. Their growing strength was getting intimidating, and the king was concerned that they would overtake him. After hearing about all the battles that had been fought and won by the Israelites, it was a valid concern. He was looking for a way to gain some kind of advantage against GOD’S chosen people. After many days and possibly weeks of thinking, he came up with the idea to get a well-known Fortune teller to pronounce a curse over them. But what he ran into is where we pick up the story. After Balaam surveys the situation and observes who Balak is seeking to curse is GOD’s chosen people. He tells Balak to stand next to his burnt offering while Balaam speaks with the LORD. After a short time, Balaam returned to Balak with the information that GOD had provided. Which ultimately ends in Balak’s disappointment. Balak’s question was answered, “What has the LORD spoken?” As Balaam begins to speak, I can see Balak’s face drop.” GOD is not a man that HE should lie, nor the son of man that HE should repent, has HE said and will not do? Or has HE spoken and will not make good?” Balaam did the only thing he could do. He spoke what the LORD told him. As he continued to speak, he explained that he could not reverse what the LORD had done. The LORD said to bless, so bless it is. He could not take away the blessings of the LORD. As the story continues in the bible, however, Balaam does plan an idea in Balak’s mind. He might not be able to take away the blessings of the LORD, but what if the Israelites could be enticed into sin… would they still be blessed?
Application:
Buckle up because I believe GOD has a message this morning. After all the years of walking this path and reading how my heavenly father operates, seeing that unfold in my life. It’s easy to see that when GOD speaks, HE means what HE says. No one can take GOD’S promises away from you. I believe that with all my heart. I also believe that GOD has given us a road map on how to receive those promises, and if we follow that road map, the promises are ours. HE is not a man who should lie. God is just and does what is right at all times. I also believe that the New Testament unlocks the Old Testament. In Galatians chapter 6, verses 7 through 9, we see that we are the only ones who can forfeit our blessings. That can’t be taken away, but we can give them away. Now I don’t want us to bet this wrong because I believe what GOD has said, salvation is a gift. It is given to us upon confession of the LORD Jesus Christ. The blessings, on the other hand, are something that you can give away. Let’s look at these verses in Galatians. Do not be deceived. GOD will not be mocked. Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will from his flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to his spirit will reap everlasting life. I believe that GOD has given us a road map to HIS blessings, and a guide to receive them. That guide is the Holy Spirit. When we accept Jesus Christ as our LORD and SAVIOR. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit. A guide that helps us stay on the path to the blessings of GOD. Pointing out the right steps to take. Whether or not we listen to HIM is where free will comes in. I want us to take the time to consider the whole counsel of GOD. HE did not create a bunch of robots that do everything HE says. HE gave us a choice on whether or not we want the blessings. Jesus HIMSELF said Why do you call me LORD but don’t do what I say. Confession brings forth salvation, and obedience unlocks blessings. I want my life to honor GOD. I want the light that HE has placed inside of me to shine so that others can see HIS glory and turn to Christ. I want to sow to my spirit and die to my flesh. Seeking first HIS kingdom and righteousness. I want GOD’S blessings on my life. Salvation is only the beginning, there is so much more to a relationship with the Father. HIS word will explain it, and maybe you are young in your walk and still basking in the grace that set you free. As you mature and start to see the whole counsel of GOD and start eating meat. The blessing that HE pronounced over you will start to come to pass. Hold on to what HE said, not just bits and pieces, but all of it, read HIS word for yourself, and see if what I’m saying is true. GOD’S grace is amazing, but HIS blessings are overwhelming. They can not be taken, but they can be forfeited.
Prayer:
Father, help us to see the truth in your word. Not what we have been taught by man, but what you say. The last thing we want is to be deceived, and that’s easy to see if all we do is trust man to tell us what you are saying to us. We want to thank you for the salvation that you have freely given, and we pray that we are able to walk in the blessings that you have spoken. Help us to stay on your narrow path. The one that leads to life, we do not want to get sidetracked by our flesh. We know that it can happen very easily. Keep our eyes fixed on you. Not looking to the right or the left, but totally fixed on the one who has said exactly what HE meant and will finish what you started. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus, I pray, amen.