Numbers 22:21-23:30
Num. 22:21-35
This section has given rise to lots of jokes because of the talking donkey. On the other hand, Balaam, from this point on, becomes infamous in the Bible. He's a bad guy. The images he brings up are of a false believer, someone who has infiltrated the company of faith. He actually does Christian stuff, prays out loud, and is someone whom God actually uses. But, here's the thing, it affects the people of God to be useless for God, or it leads them to bring God's judgment on themselves. To get a better idea before you read about Balaam, read 2 Peter 2, Rev. 2:14 and Num. 31:8. I'd recommend this because it gives insight into what is happening with Balaam and the events immediately following his return to Mari.
So, here is a case in point where knowing what is going on with Balaam helps. You would eventually figure all of this out by reading the Bible every year. In v. 22 God is mad at Balaam "because he went," but God told him to go. The issue is what is brewing in Balaam's heart. He's looking for a loophole, and God knows it.
Notice that the angel's warning to Balaam in v.35 is to only speak the word He tells him. Balaam does that until he is off the clock and on his way home. Loophole.
In observing, one question will be, "Who is the angel of the Lord?" What clues do you have in vs. 31-35 that this is actually God, the pre-incarnate Son of God? This also helps explain 23:4, 16.
Num. 22:36-23:30
Notice that Balaam tells Balak that he must speak the word that God puts into his mouth. This will be like a refrain, and knowing Balaam, you wonder if there was something sinister even in him saying this.
V. 41 The place was for Baal worship. Not only were these "holy" places, but Balak was hoping to find a part of Israel that God didn't like and would curse.
Don't verses 4-5 amaze you?
V. 14 Pisgah is also the ridge from which Moses would look over the Promised Land and take his last breath.
V. 21 is interesting. Balak keeps taking Balaam to a different spot to find some part of the people that God is displeased with and will curse, but here it says that God doesn't find anything about them that displeases Him. God certainly has His own issues with the people, but for the sake of His promise to Abraham, they are beloved. He says this through Paul also: Romans 11:28 As regards the gospel they are enemies of God, for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.
That's the same with us. God may have an issue, for the moment, with our behavior; but in Christ, we are absolutely and completely loved and accepted at every moment.
V. 23 says that God will not only protect Israel spiritually, but their success, like in Egypt, will be seen as God's work.
I guess three times is a charm. Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor. That word, "Peor," will become a bad word among Israel, but not because Balaam curses them. It will be the place where Balak uses a trick Balaam will give him to get Israel to bring God's judgment upon itself. At the foot of this mountain, 24,000 people will die, not because of a curse, but because Balaam knew God well enough to know what the people would have to do, to get Him to judge them.
Luke 1:57-80
V. 63 gives you the idea that Zechariah was not only unable to speak, but that he was also deaf. That's why they had to make signs and that's why, when he writes "John," they are amazed. He shouldn't have heard that conversation.
Vs. 64-66 show how God used this entire situation. Now, with this amazing situation He had built (Elizabeth's barrenness all those years, Zechariah's deafness and dumbness, the unexpected, old age, pregnancy) suddenly Zechariah's mouth is opened and tongue loosed. They go out and spread the word, not extremely far, but far enough. The seeds are planted and in 30 years John will come forth. So, what all did the neighbors ponder in their hearts and spread far and wide? They recounted not only the physical events, but also verses 67-79.
Notice that the focus is salvation and the forgiveness of sins. Who did Luke find who remembered that prophesy? If I had to guess, I would say Luke heard it from Mary, Jesus' mother, who was still there and heard it.
V. 80 We have no clue where John grew up. He might or might not have been raised in a very separate Essene community. It says that he lived in a remote place, which might have been east of Hebron, toward the Dead Sea. He would still have gone to Jerusalem 3 times a year as all Jewish males were required, and he would have known his cousin Jesus, and maybe his cousins James and John, who later became his disciples and then Jesus' disciples.
Psalm 58
We're not that "into" judgment, so this Psalm, and its very graphic pictures, might leave us cold. Verse 11 is the point of this. There is a reward for being close to God on this planet and God does, and will, judge mankind. This morning I was reading some of the parables of Jesus regarding the Kingdom, and along with the images we like, there is also the warning of the close of the age when the angels will come out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire where men will weep and gnash their teeth.
We work in the harvest now, while there is still time for people to respond to God. John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
Proverbs 11:12-13
This is a good word for anyone trying to reach his neighbors or the people close to him. The closer you get, the more you learn. Knowing the love of God and the grace we have been shown, gives us the spiritual wisdom to be silent, patient and forbearing, so we can build trust and to keep showing them the love of Christ.
I really miss not preaching every week. When I was thinking above, that in spite of the sins of the people, God saw them in the promise as totally Ok, it made me think of us as disciples, too. Then a video came to mind that I've used after a message.
When we focus ourselves as disciples into reaching lost people in the harvest, trying to lead others to take following Christ seriously, it puts us out in front and very vulnerable. The easiest thing to do is to just keep quiet. The minute you open your mouth in a crowd, everyone looks at you and you're open to criticism. It can be a very emotionally draining adventure, especially if God sends you out to the wilderness and you're living in caves for a while. Of course, there are lots of good things to learn in the wilderness, and that's why God has you there, but it's not fun. And when you watch everyone else living a "normal" life, not risking much, not really stressed, and you're holding on and battling with things in your heart, it is easy to think that God might have deserted you. Or, maybe you took the wrong turn. Or maybe something in your heart isn't just right. In all of this, as David did, we need to strengthen ourselves in the Lord and remember that His love for us never changes.
The following video is great. The words are on target and speak to those who are daring a lot and struggling as a result. The last words on the video should read "you are my comfort and my God," not "my conflict and my God." This is the studio version of "What if I Stumble" with the video of the live performance. It reminds me of a DC Talk concert in Sindelfingen Germany, where I took the youth from our new church plant, got home at 2am and preached at 10am. Those were good fruitful days and I'd do it again. Enjoy!
If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.”
I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.
If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.
I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.
Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.
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