Numbers 23 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“G_d is not a man who lies, or a son of man who changes His mind. Does He speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill? I have indeed received a command to bless; since He has blessed, I cannot change it.” Numbers 23: 19-20

Balaam tried his best to curse Israel, to do more than G_d instructed, or to speak beyond what G_d put into his mouth.
Why would Balaam continue to angle against the L_rd? Balaam was a “for profit” prophet.

In recent history, Americans have witnessed the advent of the “celebrity defense attorney”. These lawyers generally choose high profile clients who are clearly guilty. Utilizing courtroom theatrics and a keen understanding of the weak points of the law, they somehow win their clients’ freedom.
When these attorneys study the law, they aren’t looking for ways to serve justice. They are searching for loopholes that will circumvent justice…because that’s what their clients are paying them to do! Balaam would have made a great criminal defense attorney.

Balaam’s biggest problem was, perhaps, that he never understood the connection between obedience & blessing. Because Balaam was driven by money, by pride, and who knows what else? He constantly, consistently refused to do what G_d told him to do. He consistently chose the “seen” over the “unseen.” Faith is the evidence of things “unseen.” Hebrews 11:1

Balaam wanted to have a relationship with G_d, to be able to bless and curse, to be a real prophet—but he never wanted to obey. He wanted all the benefits and none of the responsibilities.

Balaam is an illustration of a person who has access to the truth—like a person who reads the Bible all the time—yet never obeys it! These people have access to the truth, or have knowledge of the truth, but are never willing to put it into practice because they insist on doing what they want to do.

It is admirable that you would join with me in reading a chapter of the Bible each day. REMEMBER: The benefits of the Bible come not from simply reading, but living what you read.

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins, Associate Leader, Worship Leader
Shuvah Yisrael
Daily Devotional, Friday, May 30, 2014