December 29, 2023

Passage Read: Numbers 20-23
Meditation Verses: 22:32-35

Thought

Balaam received permission from the Lord to go to Balak, and he knew he could only say or do what the Lord commanded him. But the Lord knew the temptation would be so great that Balaam could easily fall into sin, so he sent this angel to oppose him. The Lord allowed the donkey to see the danger, so Balaam was not in real danger. But the Lord wanted to impress on him how necessary it was for Balaam to obey and to resist any temptation. Balaam was going into a spiritually risky situation, incredibly risky. So He sent this angel to make an impression that would hopefully stick and protect Balaam. Sadly, it didn't.

Application

The more tempting a situation the Lord is willing for me to enter, the more I need to keep guard against falling into sin. I need to hate sin so much, but care enough for others to reach out to them even in their lostness. But because they are steeped in sin, I too can be tempted, because they love darkness, I too can be enticed. I need to be even more on guard, for my own sake and for those I desire to rescue. I cannot look lightly on sin, because God does not. God is willing for me to help save others, but He does not want me to fall prey to sin in the process. Look how seriously He warned Balaam. He wants me to walk in obedience, not turn from Him. No matter how enticing turning against the Lord may seem, I must not do it.