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