Day 75

Numbers 24:1–25:18; Luke 2:1-35; Psalm 59:1-17; Proverbs 11:14

THE DRAMA IN the book of Numbers turned squarely toward King Balak of Moab in today’s reading. Balaam got the message loud and clear when his donkey spoke to him. No matter the riches and honor promised, he could not curse Israel unless God told him to. Instead, he blessed God’s people, enraging King Balak. So Balak invited Balaam to view the camp of Israel from another location. The same thing happened. Yet again, the king asked Balaam to look at the camp from a different perspective, and once again, Balaam blessed God’s people.

“King Balak flew into a rage against Balaam. He angrily clapped his hands and shouted, ‘I called you to curse my enemies! Instead, you have blessed them three times’” (Numbers 24:10).

We have the same tendencies as King Balak. Often, when we desire something to happen and ask God to bless it, we will try to find the right angle or perspective, hoping to convince Him. But God will not bless what He has not blessed and will not curse what He has not cursed, no matter how we spin the argument.

This story forces us to confront our own will and the ways in which we attempt to manipulate and order our lives. Balaam was instructed to do only what God told him to do and nothing more. We are instructed to do the same. This feels constricting only when we want something that God is not inviting us into. It is in these times that we find ourselves misbehaving like an unruly toddler before our heavenly Father. But God is not withholding from us. He desires to give us His Kingdom —a promise far greater than riches and prestige. God sees all and is protecting us from misfortune. May we rest in this, rather than looking for yet another angle from which to manipulate.

WORSHIP:

As for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.