Week 38 Monday

No Matter What

Today’s scripture selection: Numbers 21-24

Key verse: Numbers 24:13

A ruler named Balak wanted to hear something from a prophet named Balaam.  There was only one problem: like many rulers, Balak only wanted to hear what he wanted to hear.

He didn’t want the truth – he wanted to hear he was right.

He didn’t want counsel – he wanted to be told he could do no wrong.

He didn’t want a real, prophetic word – he wanted a “yes” man.

The story goes that, by God’s intervention, Balaam was unable to curse Israel – which is what Balak wanted to hear.  Instead, this is what he had to say:

“Did I not tell the messengers you sent me, ‘Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD – and I must say only what the LORD says’?”

Apparently, God made it so Balaam could only prophesy that God’s plans would triumph – despite Balak’s desire for something else to happen.

Well, what about if we acted like Balaam in our lives – not because of being forced to do so, but because it was our deepest desire to do so?  What if, no matter what, we spoke only God’s truth to others?

It would take courage.  It would require deep conviction and faith.  And those are rare commodities – even today.

But wouldn’t it be great if we could all act with such confidence?  It seems to me that we would all sleep better if we could act with bold assertion; sure that we have only one choice – to always do as the LORD instructed.

Well, we can.

It will take prayer – and study – and faith – but we, like the faithful prophets of old can live out our lives in just that way.

With God’s help, we can commit to the proposition that we will not waiver; we will not be convinced otherwise; we will be faithful to what we believe and know, deep in our souls, no matter what.

And who knows what changes – for good – that will bring?

Prayer: Holy God, give me the courage and the conviction to speak only your truth.  AMEN.