Wed.’s Devo - The Curse Reversed

Read: Numbers 22:21-23:30; Luke 1:57-80; Psalm 58:1-11; Proverbs 11:12-13 Balaam had persuaded the Lord to let him go with Balak’s army, but God was not happy about it. He wanted Balaam to know he could not speak a single curse against Israel so he sent his angel to put some fear of God in him. *** Balaam’s donkey saw the angel standing in front of him with a drawn sword and bolted off into a field. Balaam couldn’t see the angel because his eyes hadn’t been opened so he beat his donkey and got him back on the road. The angel stood in front of him again. The donkey saw him and tried to go around him pressing Balaam’s foot against the wall. Balaam, oblivious to the angel, beat his donkey again. The third time the angel stood in front of him the passage was so narrow, the donkey had no where to go so he sat down. Balaam flew off in rage and beat his poor donkey again. God gave the donkey the ability to speak and the donkey asked him what he had done that deserved being beat these three times. They argued back and forth and the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes to see what his donkey had seen. Balaam then fell on his face to the ground. He repented for beating his donkey who had saved his life. *** Balaam told the Lord he would only say what God allowed him to say. After that rebuke from the Lord, he had to face Balak’s rebuke when he met him. Balaam had to explain to him that he could only speak what God let him say. *** Balak took Balaam to Bamoth-baal which was a high place to worship Baal. He had Barak prepare seven burnt offerings. God’s message to Barak was that God would not allow a curse to be given on his people that he had not cursed. Instead he blessed them to multiply and be righteous. *** King Balak was very upset and took him to another place where he would see a different tribe of Israel. He offered seven more burnt offerings. God told Barak that he was not a god that lied or changed his mind. God’s blessing could not be reversed. He was not planning any misfortune for Israel because He was their king. None of their magic powers could stand against Israel. *** Balak was so mad. He told him if you can’t curse them then don’t bless them. But Balaam told him, “I told you I could only say what the Lord tells me.” *** Balak was used to getting his way and took Balaam to a third place to see another group of Israel. Balaam had him prepare seven more burnt offerings. Barak was only hurting himself and helping Israel. Every word Balaam said just made the prophecies have more power. *** In Luke, Elizabeth had her baby and all her neighbors and relatives rejoiced with them. When she took him to be circumcised the priests wanted to name him Zechariah after the baby’s father. but Elizabeth said his name was to be John. Zechariah confirmed it by writing on a tablet that his name was to be called John. When he did, God loosed his tongue and he could speak. All the people could see that there was something very special about this baby boy. John prophesied that he would be called the prophet of the Most High. He would prepare the way for the Lord and his people to receive salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. Heaven’s light was about to break out upon his people and guide them to peace. *** Lord, thank you for the story of Balaam. We can see that no one can put a curse on us or our nation that you have blessed. You have blessed us as your people and our nation as your nation. We pray for people of other nations who are calling out to you to save them. It is time for you to act and save us all. Thank you for your promise of blessings and salvation.