Today’s Devotion
Topic: Speak God’s Word, Not Your Own! (Self-Assessment)
Beloved, we are favoured to see another beautiful Saturday and our bible study series continues. Today we study an interesting character BALAAM! Kindly study the passage carefully and send us your thoughts. We are simply encouraged to learn from you.
BACKGROUND TO TEXT: Balaam was a prophet of God who was summoned by king Balak to curse Israel for a reward. Of course, Balaam could use some money. He set out to meet the king but the angel of the Lord stood on the way 3 different times with a sword. Balaam didn’t see this; His donkey did and so wouldn’t move. Each time it did that Balaam hit her until she spoke.
TEXT: Numbers 22:30-38
_30 The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?” “No,” he said. 31 Then 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. 32 The 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. 33 The 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.”_
_34 Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned. I did not realize you were standing in the road to oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back.”35 The angel of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with Balak’s officials. 36 When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the Moabite town on the Arnon border, at the edge of his territory. 37 Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why didn’t you come to me? Am I really not able to reward you?” 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.” Amen_
Questions:
1. Balaam was on his way to curse the Israelites for a fee. He could neither discern the Israelites were God’s on people nor even see the angel sent to oppose him. How does that relate with the prophets and preachers of our time today who are not careful to receive from God?
2. If the donkey represents are subordinates, junior colleagues and those who serve us, can we say that God can use anything or anyone to draw our attention back on him, esp. when our spiritual sensitivity to him is blinded by material things? Explain
3. How much does God Love Israel that He sent an angel to oppose someone on his way to curse them. He even made a donkey speak to draw attention on how He opposes that move. Does God do same for us when the enemy plans a conspiracy to destroy us? Will He intervene?
4. Eventual Balaam told Balak in vrs 38 “I must speak only what God puts in my mouth”. Does it mean earlier he was going to compromise? What is the lesson in this for all believers, pastors and prophets? What are the consequences if we are not careful to speak only what God put in our mouths?
5. What are some of the lessons and truths you have learnt from this study please?
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