WATCHWORD:
21 So the next morning he saddled his donkey and started off with them. 22-23 But God was angry about Balaam’s eager attitude, so he sent an Angel to stand in the road to kill him. As Balaam and two servants were riding along, Balaam’s donkey suddenly saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword. She bolted off the road into a field, but Balaam beat her back onto the road. 24 Now the Angel of the Lord stood at a place where the road went between two vineyard walls. 25 When the donkey saw him standing there, she squirmed past by pressing against the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot in the process. So, he beat her again. 26 Then the Angel of the Lord moved farther down the road and stood in a place so narrow that the donkey couldn’t get by at all. 27 So she lay down in the road! In a great fit of temper Balaam beat her again with his staff. 28 Then the Lord caused the donkey to speak! “What have I done that deserves your beating me these three times?” she asked. 29 “Because you have made me look like a fool!” Balaam shouted. “I wish I had a sword with me, for I would kill you.” 30 “Have I ever done anything like this before in my entire life?” the donkey asked. “No,” he admitted. 31 Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes and he saw the Angel standing in the roadway with drawn sword, and he fell flat on the ground before him. Numbers 22:21-31
Meditation:
Balaam’s Donkey
Do you know the story of Balaam’s donkey? It’s in the book of numbers. You say you don’t read the book of Numbers? Allen Jackson says in his book of sermons, God Bless America Again, that not even God reads the book of Numbers, look He didn’t even give the book a proper name”. That’s a joke.
The story of the donkey and Balaam, is a bit confusing. The prophet Balaam has been instructed by God to go and meet Balak, the feared king of Moab. Balaam sees an opportunity to cash in on both the order from God and the invitation from Balak. This angers God, and an Angel of the Lord blocks his pathway. The donkey sees the Angel, and turns aside into a field. Balaam, who does not see the Angel, beats the poor beast and forces it back on the path. This happens three times, then God opened the mouth of the donkey and God’s will is made clear.
It seems that the donkey was more spiritually perceptive then the prophet. While the donkey had no spiritual gifts at all, at least he acknowledged his creator, and the fact that the Angel with the sword was from God. He reacts accordingly.
Have you ever been frustrated in your plans? Everything is in place, reservations have been made, and something happens. You try to force your way forward and something else happens. Maybe you’re getting frustrated at this point and the lovely person you always knew you were, becomes bullheaded. Maybe it’s at that point that the prayer to open your eyes should be on your lips, so that you can see what God may have in mind. You know full well that His plans are far better than yours, so calm yourself and embrace the delay.
I have to be sympathetic with that donkey, who, on one hand, represents us seeing the way God wants us to go or doesn’t want us to go, but, on the other hand, there is Balaam, forcing the matter. Who is the true donkey here?
In the midst of our frustration, consider a prayer, something like this: Dear Heavenly Father please show me what You have in mind and instill in me trust in You. I know Your way is far better than mine. Show me Your way. Amen.
Bulletin Board:
I’m sure you have heard the jokes about Balaam’s ass, pardon, donkey – but how many of you remember the purpose of the story? It’s a story about humility, poking fun at Balaam, whose talking donkey sees more than he can. Balaam is a non-Israelite, and yet he has come because of Yahweh. He is an outsider, but loyal to the God of Israel. He comes as God’s instrument to either give blessings or curses. But he is not a very good one! His donkey sees more than he does!
A Hymn Prayer:
Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
Ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Amen
