Suggested Bible Reading: Numbers 23-25
Devotional Thought:
Chapters 23-24 record the four great parables of Balaam. These parables are very interesting and prophetic in nature. The glowing terms in which Balaam speaks of Israel, in relation to their God and their future as a nation, truly amazes me. The question that begs to be asked is “can the man who spoke so beautifully of God’s people and predicted the complete overthrow of their enemies be so bad?” Clearly we see God was in control. How very often the devil demonstrates his disrespect in his opposition to God’s people and God’s purpose. God turned the curses into blessings and confounded, confused and disappointed Balak. Although there can be no respect for Balaam as a man, his parables must not be disregarded. We would not understand God’s design for Israel without them; they tie in so perfectly with the rest of the prophecies concerning Israel and contribute so much to the divine revelation in the inspired Word of God. God is sovereign, it is true, and this is certainly seen in the case of Balaam and his parables, but a servant of God who desires to be a blessing to others, must willingly and dependently be Holy Spirit controlled. Each of these four parables, and in fact every part in them, is prompted by and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God. What is stated at the beginning of the third parable is not peculiar to it, but is true of all the prophecies that came from Balaam. It says, “The spirit of God came upon him…” (24:2) Balaam foreshadows the beast or man of sin in the end times. Satan will make this worldwide dictator a wonderful orator. He will be very powerful and compelling in his speech, so much so that he will sway and deceive the people. He will even deceive the Jew. God will allow this to take place and such a person to be on the stage in the last acting out of the drama of those days. Here, in the case of Balaam, no Israelite heard Balaam’s words, not even Moses, but nevertheless his words were thrilling, attractive, and powerful. Satan was behind this attack on Israel, yet he was thwarted, so that instead of Satan inspired curses there were Spirit inspired blessings. How great God is and what love He has for His people. As each parable was spoken, the more the love of God for His people and His purpose for them was demonstrated. So it is today… the darker the world seems to get the brighter the light of the glorious gospels shines. The Devil thinks he is winning and the more he captures the heart of society, the closer we get to complete victory. The Bible is clear; we cannot even comprehend in our minds what God has prepared for them that love Him. Oh that we would desire to live, controlled by the Spirit of God, who is working all things together for our good and God’s ultimate glory.
Prayer Requests:
• Lord, please help me to live controlled by the Spirit of God. I claim the promise that if I will walk in the Spirit, I will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
• Lord, thank you for working all things for good. I know the Devil seeks to interfere, interrupt, and destroy the work of God. It is so good to know that you are ultimately in control.
• Lord, please help me to have discernment to see the deceptive work of the Devil and expose the love of my God to those who desire to please you.