Thurs.’s Devo - The Doctrine of Balaam

Read: Num. 23-25
In the story of Balaam we learn some interesting things about the occult. Balaam was a diviner and a false prophet but though he had some power, he was totally under God’s control and when he wanted to curse Israel, he was not allowed. He told Balak, “I have received commandment to bless; and He has blessed; and I cannot reverse it.” He later said, “surely there is not enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel.” He continued to bless the future of the nation and when the king told him to stop blessing them, he told him he couldn’t. This lets us know that the occult cannot curse us if God don’t allow him to. The only way the devil did what he did to Job was because God allowed him to. In the end God blessed Job greater than the first. We can trust that God will do the same for us.
Balaam could not curse Israel with his mouth so he assimilated into their camp and turned them to worshipping false gods. This is how he got back at Israel. Second Peter 2:15 talks about those who walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. He says that they have forsaken the right way and are gone astray following the way of Balaam who loved the wages of unrighteousness. Revelation 2:14 says that Balaam taught Israel to sacrifice to idols and commit fornication. He came to the Israelites with his doctrine that was against the law and taught it to God’s people.
Lord, help us to be teachers of the truth and hold fast the teachings of the Bible.