Lessons from a Talking Donkey

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Number 22-24

Abbreviated Reading: Numbers 22

Sin makes a fool out of us and like Balaam in today’s Bible reading – we can find ourselves talking to a donkey.

I love the pictures we find in today’s reading! God’s power, mercy, faithfulness and creativity are seen throughout the account of Balaam and his talking donkey. As you dig into God’s Word and read about Balaam, consider this:

1) God is merciful to put an angle in the way and provide what must have been a terrifying reality in order to warn Balaam and to keep him from sinning. (Num 22:31, 32)

God is merciful to us and is able to keep us as well!

Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. Jude 24

2) Sin makes a fool out of us! Does it strike you as “odd” that Balaam answered his donkey when his donkey talked? And then after answering the donkey, Balaam blames the donkey for making a fool of him! (Num 22:29)

When we find ourselves “somewhere” we shouldn’t be, we are setting ourselves up to be made a fool of. That’s just the nature of sin. BUT, the righteous are blessed!

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:3

3) God is faithful to His people and what He promises, He will do.

God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19

God keeps His promises and is faithful to us. Like God protected Israel from being cursed, He protects us too.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

4) If God can open the mouth of a donkey and fill that animal with His message, surely He can use His redeemed people and fill us with His Word and a message to the world around us!

And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand…Thou art my people. Isaiah 51:16

Praise the Lord for the lessons in His Word! He is merciful, warns us of sin, is faithful to protect, and uses us flawed vessels to spread His Gospel.