Today's readings from the One Year Chronological reading plan are Numbers 22:1-24:25.
Scripture - The passage that stood out for me today was Numbers 22:32: "The angel of the LORD asked him, "Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me."
Observation - Balaam had his mind made up to go down that path and he wasn't going to let anything stand in his way. When things didn't go his way, and the donkey prevented him from going down that path, he freaked and beat the donkey. It was only after the Lord revealed himself to Balaam that he understood.
Application - How often do we have our own ideas and we aren't going to let anything stand in our way. In fact, we might even be so focused on our plan that we won't even listen to anyone who wants to tell us anything different. It makes me think of that saying, "don't shoot the messager" because when someone tells us something we don't want to hear, we immediately blame the messager. When Balaam's donkey sends the message to Balaam that he should not continue on that bath, Balaam beats the messager! Balaam doesn't realize that the messager is sending him a mesaage for his own good. God works in mysterious ways to point us on the path He has chosen for us. We just have to be receptive to His leading and especially to His messangers. The messager may not always be what we want to hear but it is good for us in the long run.
Prayer - Dear Lord, thank you for being an amazing and patient God. We are blessed to have You in our lives and guiding our path. Lord, we often put our desires ahead of what you want for us and we don't often consider the big picture like You do. You know what the future holds and You know the path that will take us there. Help us to listen to the messangers You put into our lives and pay careful attention to their direction. Be with us as we wait patiently for You to unfold the plan in Your timing. Amen.
Tomorrow's Readings are from Numbers 25:1-26:65
1 comment:
Great thoughts Pam. What an excellent lesson to take away from today's readings. So true.
I also thought it rather humourous that Balak just wouldn't take no for an answer. Despite Balaam's blessing - especially the one that talks about God not changing His mind - he just keeps on trying. Kind of the same thing as Balaam and his donkey actually.
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