Did you know that there is the account of a talking donkey in the Bible? It begins in Numbers 22 and it centers on a man named Balaam who was asked by the king of one of Israel's enemies to meet with him for the purpose of calling down a curse on the Israelites. Balaam was not an Israelite but he did believe in the God of Israel probably along with other gods of the day. Balaam refused to meet with King Balak without consulting Israel's God first. God finally permitted Balaam to go meet with Balak and used the journey as an occasion to teach Balaam a lesson.
Three times along the way the donkey on which Balaam was riding seemed to disobey his rider by taking a different direction, crushing Balaam's foot against a narrow wall, and laying down in the road. Each time Balaam angrily beat the animal. Then Balaam heard the animal speak! Now whether God enabled the donkey to speak human or He enabled Balaam to understand donkey is up for grabs. There is an element of humor in the conversation; be sure to read it in Numbers 22:28-30.
After the bizarre conversation the Bible says, "Then the Lord opened Balaam's eyes. . ." (Num 22:31). The Lord let Balaam see what previously only the donkey could see: the angel of the Lord blocking the way. The donkey had been steering around the divine vision for Balaam's protection but Balaam could not see it. He was blinded by his own ego and ambition (see verse29).
Let's not miss the lesson for us here. How many times does God attempt to guide us but blinded by our own agenda we forfeit our trust in Him, insist on doing things our own way and fail to see His guiding hand of mercy and grace. May the Lord open our eyes of faith, teach us to trust in His leadership and may we stop beating the donkey and enjoy the ride!
2 comments:
Amen, Brother!
48 hrs have passed since I told you I would look at this posting. Too many other things to do. Like, come up with a topic for a
4th Day talk next week. Last 48 hrs spent beating the donkey for a subject. It was right here all the time. Will use this story in my talk. No crushed foot, but I do have a bruised ego thinking I could do it myself!! Thanks!!
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