BALAAM'S WISE REPLY

Today is Sunday!  I'm looking forward to a wonderful day in the Lord with God's people!  Hope yours is wonderful too!

BALAAM'S WISE REPLY--In Numbers 24, we see the actions of Balaam as the prophet for hire trying to curse Israel.  Balak has hired him, but each time Balaam has the opportunity to curse Israel, he blesses Him.  He blesses Israel again, and Balak is mad at him, but here is Balaam's wise reply in verse 13:  "If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind:  but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?"  If you read about Balaam in Scripture, you will find that there was nothing evil that Balaam did to Israel, but the "doctrine of Balaam" hurt Israel greatly.  What is the difference you ask?  Well, the doctrine of Balaam was taught by his example, not his exhortation.  In other words, by his yoking up with Balak, even though he did not do what Balak wanted him to do, was being unequally yoked together.  In Numbers 25, we see that the children of Israel did the same thing to the inhabitants of the land (in direct disobedience to God's word for them).  They yoked up and because of this, they started adopting their ways and their gods.  This is called the "doctrine of Balaam".  The idea is that it is "okay" to yoke up with the world, just as long as you don't do what they do.  But.... eventually.... you do what they do!  That is the whole problem.  Balaam was a principled man in that he would not curse Israel for any amount of money, and he was a vessel that God used to bless Israel several times in the presence of Balak.  Thus, Balak decided not to go against the children of Israel, these "blessed people" of the LORD.  It would do us well, to say what the LORD says, and to do what the LORD says do, and not go less or more for NO amount of money, fame, or favor.  Let us be just as wise in our words, but also not partake in ungodly associations. 

Hope you have a blessed Sunday!   Pastor Mike Mutchler