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Num. 24
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the importance of looking past the physical. This world – our lives and all that we see in it – is not what matters. I’d venture to say that 100% of our poor decisions come from our desire for or fear of worldly things. Balak’s rebuke of Balaam hit on both of these. “I said I would honor you greatly, but behold, the LORD has held you back form honor.” (Num. 24:11b).
This is a very typical type of threat that people use against others to get what they want out of them. We need to learn to see it for the lie that it is. Sure, it looks true from an earthly perspective. But this world isn’t what matters. It is merely a shadow, a copy of the real thing, and a hugely corrupted one, at that. Which is why John tells us, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 Jn. 2:15).
Ps. 66-67
I wonder, if I were to put my praises to God on a scale together with my complaints to Him, which way would the balance tip? Even in the worst of our trials, we have reason for praise and gratitude to our God. “We went through fire and through water, yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.” (Ps. 66:12b). God is so good. Always.
Is. 14
“For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?” (Is. 14:27). I’ve been seeing that truth in Balaam’s story. Though God allowed Balaam to oppose Him in going to Balak, He did not allow Balaam to curse His people. In today’s segment of the story, Balaam finally gave up trying. Balak, however, still failed to understand that no amount of riches or power can stand against God. Anyone who thinks they can rise above or even stand on par with God destroys himself.