You have never heard of a talking horse? (March 7)

Fear, terror, dread, combined with looking for easy answers, pride, self will, lead to bad and/or wrong decisions.  Balak, was terrified by the Israelites in his vicinity with the knowledge of what Israel had done to the Amorites.  Balaam, a man of power is summoned to curse Israel; for Balak realizes that Balaam has a gift.  Balaam's blessings and curses have an effect.  A simple curse from Balaam would ease the Moabites challenges.  

God's plan is different form Balak's plan and Balaam is told by God to not curse Israel for they are blessed.  As a result, Balaam does not respond to Balak's first call, but does respond to a second call. 

Picture Balaam: riding on his donkey to Balak; not seeing the glory of the Lord; his donkey seeing the glory of the Lord with a drawn sword in the way; beating his donkey; having his donkey ask him why he was being beaten.  Now picture Balaam having his eyes open to the glory of the Lord. 

Think of events that happen on; roads, roads of life, roads of faith. 

Think of the disciples in Luke "They asked each other,  "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
Luke 24:23-NIV 

"My companions led me by the hand into Damascus because the brillance of the light had blinded me." 
Acts 22:11-NIV

We continue to read of Balaam's blessing and are pointed to Christ in Numbers 24:17-19 NIV "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near.  A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.  He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the sons of Sheth.  Edom will be conquered; Seir, his enemy, will be conquered but Israel will grow strong.  A ruler will come out of Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city."

"But about the Son he says,  "Your throne, O God will last for ever and ever, and righteousness wil be the scepter of your kingdom." Hebrews 1:8-NIV

Thoughts:

Where do you look for direction in times of challenge?  Do you look to the Lord or do you lean on your own understanding?

Who is walking with you on your road of life, of faith?  What is the destination?   Where is Christ?

How does your life reflect that you are following God's will?  How can others tell?


How does it show that you realize the importance of community in faith?  Others, may see things that you could overlook.

Pray for the Spirit to guide you on a moment by moment basis.

In Christ,

David P