
Numbers 22:31-34
Verse 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.”
Once again we see what being confronted by God does to a person. Yesterday we watched as Balaam beat his donkey because it wasn’t wanting to obey what he was saying and he was enraged because of it. Notice how quickly Balaam’s attitude changed when confronted with the truth of the donkey’s actions. One look at the sword and Balaam knew he was in the wrong. And he instantly dropped the anger and pride and hit the ground. It wasn’t that it was God in front of him like it was for Isaiah but the angel wasn’t just any being, he was there with a message from the Lord and Balaam knew it!
It had to be humbling to hear this angel from God chastising him for beating his donkey. Can you imagine hearing from an angel that God was using an animal to get your attention? Or how about being told that the donkey would have been safe if God had demanded your death from disobedience? This is what the angel told Balaam. And what was Balaam’s response? He confessed his sin. He even offered to return home instead of going as planned. Whether he was really willing to return home or was just questioning to see if that is what God wanted is not the point. The focus should be that he admitted that he had sinned. What was his sin? He claimed that his sin was his not paying attention to that the road was being blocked. But since he couldn’t see the angel, how could he have known? Remember what the donkey said? “I have been your donkey all of your life, have I ever done anything like this before?”
His stubborn heart had him missing the clues that were right in front of him that something was not right. That happens in our lives too. We get something in our head that we want and the more we think about it the more we want it. Sometimes God sends roadblocks and we don’t acknowledge them for what they are. We only see them as annoyances that are hindering us from going and doing what we want. Remember that worship is easier when we are in right standing with God. Maybe the next time a hindrance comes into our paths we should stop and consider if it is from God or is just a random annoyance.
Making It Personal
Have you ever encountered resistance to a plan or dream you had? Have you ever had a hindrance that you later saw as a blessing? What annoying situation is in your life right now that God could be using to get you to pause and reflect?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you like not getting your own way? When your mom and dad say no to something you want, is it hard to see their decision is for the best? Do you ever think about what God may say is best?
Closing Prayer
Father, please forgive us for the times that we don’t obey You immediately or ignore Your messages. Please convict us when we start to ignore You so that there is no doubt that is what we are doing. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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