Within the story of Balaam being hired to curse Israel, we hear the prophecy he gave which predicted the conquest of all people groups by the One Who carried the scepter of authority from God … Christ Jesus.

It is comforting to know in spite of all the thrusting and bragging and proposing of politicians, God will have the final say in every matter. Jesus said His Kingdom is NOT of this world. His servants … us … don’t fight. We trust and believe. We are busy about His business, and that is preaching the Gospel and living in a way that pleases God. We pray, we vote, we pay our taxes, but our allegiance is to Christ Jesus. He is coming soon.

READ/HEAR: Num. 23,24

Balaam had been hired by Balak to curse the Israelites. Somewhat blinded by the bribe gift to resist God’s people, Balaam rode his donkey to join the Moabite king to fulfill his request. On the way, God’s angel kept prohibiting the donkey from making the journey. Unseen by Balaam but obvious to the donkey, the angel brought them to a halt. In his anger, Balaam began beating the donkey. God opened his mouth and he rebuked Balaam for stubbornly persisting. Donkey talk.

It might not be a donkey, but God can speak through circumstances to warn us about the direction we’re taking. The warning keeps getting louder until we realize our error. His mercy and patience faithfully herd us in the right direction.

READ/HEAR: Num.  21,22

God had instructed Moses to “speak” to the rock at Meribah and water would come out for the thirsty Israelites. However, he was extremely upset with them because of their impatience and complaining. In his anger, he took his rod and hit the rock. Yes, water came out, but God was very displeased with Moses for striking the rock instead of speaking to it.

This defiant act of disobedience on Moses’ part kept him out of the Promised Land.

Jesus is our Rock. He’s not a slot machine that we strike when we want something. He’s a loving Supplier Who meets our needs as we speak to Him in prayer.

READ/HEAR: Num. 19,20

When Israelites gave an offering to the Lord, it was to be their very best. He did not deserve to get their cast-offs. Then, He in turn would give those offerings to the Levites for their support.

For example, the tithe was to be the first tenth of their income, not whatever was left over at the end of the week.

God is love. Love gives. God is the biggest giver and we do well to learn to be good givers also. Wayne Myers, a missions speaker and Christian example says, “Live to Give!”

READ/HEAR: Num. 17,18

God clarified His support of Moses and Aaron after Korah, Dathan and Abiram had risen up in opposition. He opened up the earth and swallowed them, giving an open sign of endorsement to His ordained leadership.

It’s a messy, painful ordeal when self-appointed leaders rise up against those whom God has ordained. God doesn’t always pay on Fridays, but He always pays. True leaders maintain a merciful and steadfast trust in the Lord. Jesus, Who didn’t even open His mouth against His accusers, is our example of meekness in leaders.

READ/HEAR: Num. 15,16

Aaron and Miriam held contempt for Moses and spoke against him, probably behind his back. For that, God smote them with leprosy and required that they have him pray for them. God protected Moses.

We are not to worship leaders, nor hold them infallible. They are mere mortals like we are. We are, however, to refrain from speaking against them. God deals directly with them. They are not ours to rebuke or rail against.

In the book of Revelation, we see that God holds the leaders of the churches IN HIS HAND. He protects them and corrects them.  They have a difficult enough job let alone have us criticizing their every move.

READ/HEAR: Num. 12-14

Although God had provided miracle food … manna … the Israelites were not happy with their diet. (It would be interesting to have an evaluation of the nutritional value of manna) They wanted MEAT! They just wanted what they wanted. Their carnal desires were in the driver’s seat.

God hated the complaining, so much so, that He gave them meat until it came out their noses.

I have heard people on a steak diet say they never want to see another steak ever.

We are to be grateful for what God provides. He knows best what we really need.

READ/HEAR: Num. 10,11

God led the Israelites through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. When the cloud moved, they moved. It was simple. Obedience is simple.

God wants to lead us in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake. The inner witness of His Spirit is faithful to give us direction. Do the right thing. When you’re going in the wrong direction, you sense it’s not right on your inside. That message keeps getting stronger. If you continually turn a deaf ear, it might go away. A reprobate mind is next.

READ/HEAR: Num. 8,9

Multiple animals and grains and precious metal vessels were required of the leaders of the tribes to satisfy offering requirements at the altar of dedication. It was exhaustive to prepare and fulfill God’s requirements. Yet, the sacrifices were necessary to atone for sin and shortcomings.

Praise the Lord, Jesus fulfilled ALL the law’s requirements for a sin sacrifice. He was and forever will be ALL we need. Only trust Him.

READ/HEAR: Num. 7

The priests were instructed to pronounce this blessing upon the Children of Israel:

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

In so doing, the priest was thereby applying God’s Name to His People. This would be an excellent prayer for parents and leaders to learn and pronounce over their children and followers on a regular basis.

READ/HEAR: Num. 5,6