Because leaders of this world have particular agendas, people are offered payments or kickbacks to comply with them. God has a different plan for believers. Communication that adopts Biblical values furthers God’s purposes on earth.
When Balak, king of Moah, saw what Israel did to the Amorites, he feared them. Balak asked Balaam to curse Israel and hope Moab would overcome their power by defeating them. The elders of Moab and Midian brought fees for divination and repeated what Balak said to Balaam. God told Balaam not to curse Israel because they were blessed. When Balaam refused to see Balak, he sent leaders more distinguished than the former. Balaam said he could do nothing contrary to command of Lord. God said for him to go, but only to speak His word (Num. 22:1-20). Resist agenda of leaders that tempt you to disobey God.
God in His anger sent an angel of the Lord to block Balaam’s path. Balaam beat his donkey to get her back on the road after she saw the angel. The donkey asked what she had done to be beaten three times. The Lord opened Balaam’s eyes and he saw the angel standing with a drawn sword in his hand. The angel asked why he struck the donkey three times. The angel opposed Balaam because of his recklessness. The angel said Balaam would have been killed if the donkey had not turned from the path. He was told to go with the men, but speak only what the angel would tell him. Balaam said to Balak, “Am I able to speak anything at all? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I shall speak.” (Num. 22:21-41). Trust God’s creative ways to protect you from dishonoring Him.
Balaam told Balak to build seven altars and prepare seven bulls and seven rams. When Balaam offered up the sacrifices, the Lord put a word in Balaam’s mouth to return to Balak where he would instructed what to say. Balaam said he would not curse whom God had not cursed. His blessing of Moab’s enemies upset Balak. Balaam said he must be careful to speak what God put in his mouth (Num. 23:1-12). Speak what God desires instead of manipulating Him to do what you want.
Balaam said, “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 it and has He spoken and will He not make it good?” Balaam received a command to bless with no omen or any divination against Israel. Balak took Balaam to another place to see if he would curse Moab’s enemies from there (Num. 23:13-30). Apply truthfulness and integrity regardless of whether it benefits you.
When Balaam saw it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not seek omens again but set his face toward the wilderness. He spoke an oracle of one who heard God’s words and saw a vision of the Almighty. Water would flow from his buckets and seed would be by many waters. His king would be higher than Agag and his kingdom would be exalted. He would devour nations who were adversaries. Blessed is everyone who blesses you and cursed are those who curse you (Num. 24:1-9). Fear God and listen to His words so you defeat spiritual enemies and build God’s kingdom.
Balak’s anger burned against Balaam when he cursed his enemies but continued to bless Israel three times. Balak would have honored Balaam greatly, but the Lord held him back from honor. Balaam said that if he received a house full of silver and gold, he could not do anything contrary to the Lord’s command, either good or bad. A star would come forth from Jacob and scepter would rise from Israel and crush Moab. Edom would be a possession. Jacob would have dominion and destroy Amalek. No one can live except God has ordained it (Num, 24:10-24). Be faithful as His spokesman before leaders of this world rather than seek wealth or honor for yourself.
Is your communication truthful?
Are you listening to God’s words?
Have you refused wealth and honor for yourself?
Is your motive to defeat spiritual enemies and build God’s kingdom?
