God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it.

Numbers 23:19 & 20

Balak, son of Zippor, king of Moab, feared the Israelites after learning what they had done to other kingdoms as they made their way through the land. He summoned Balaam, a known diviner (similar to a sorcerer), to put a curse on these people. 

Oddly enough, Balaam decides to consult God before doing so. God tells him not to put a curse on his people because they were blessed. When the message gets back to Balak, he cannot accept it and keeps badgering Balaam. He offered him great wealth to go ahead and place that curse. 

Balaam keeps checking back in with God. Who knows if he wanted to make sure God had not changed his mind or just needed clarity?

Enter the donkey, on the way to take Balaam to see Balak. The donkey spots the angel of the Lord. The donkey recognizes him for who he is and takes necessary action to avoid death. Balaam responds by beating him. It amazes me that Balaam had just recently spent time with God, but did not even realize his presence on that road.

Afterwards, Balaam does confess his lack of attention and goes on to deliver God’s message to Balak. Balak, sadly, never accepted that message. His kingdom eventually did get overtaken by the Israelites. Balaam went back to his old ways and died in battle.  

How do we respond to God’s message for us today? Do we like Balak, reject it? Do we temporarily embrace it, like Balaam? OR do we, like the donkey, recognize God, change our behavior, and obey?

Normally, I would not want to imitate a donkey, but in a case like this one, I believe I would. 

God, thank you for your truth. You do not change your mind. Give us eyes to see like the donkey. Help us always recognize you. 

Susan P.