THURSDAY 12TH APRIL, 2018 MORNING PRAYER DEVOTION
SCRIPTURE READING:- NUMBERS 22-24
TOPIC:– DON’T BE ON THE FENCE LIKE BALAAM
TEXT:– NUMBERS 22:5
The meaning of the name Balaam is destruction. This troubler called Balaam lived a long distance away from Moab, yet he must have been quite famous for Balak to have known of him and sent for him. Balak was motivated by his fear of Israel. Balaam refers to his activity as divination. See Numbers 22:5-7; 23:23; 24:1.
Balaam may have been reflecting on a foreign custom, as Joseph in Genesis 44:15. But certainly, Balaam’s response to Barak was done in accordance with the Lord’s instructions. However, a comparison of Numbers 22:20 and Numbers 22:22 suggests that Balaam may have been going with motives other than obeying God.
Balaam’s later suggestions to the Midianites were opposed to God’s plans, and brought about his own death, judgement on Israel, and the destruction of Midian. See Numbers 25:1-9; 31:2, 8, 15-17.
Balaam’s prophecies of blessing on Israel and judgment on Israel’s enemies, especially the messianic reference, are indeed remarkable, Numbers 24:17.
Two New Testament writers tell us that Balaam is an example of those who sin for personal gain, 2 Peters 2:15; Jude 1:11. While John uses Balaam as an example of one who taught others how to sin, Revelation 2:14.
If you are still committing sin for your personal gain in order to suit yourself, you are going nowhere. There are some Christians that take church’s work as a business in order to enrich themselves, bearing false witness against innocent people and having pleasure in those that are doing evil like Balaam because of gain. Stop being on the fence.
Prayer Points:–
1. O Lord God, deliver me from personal gain or interest at the expense of Your will and commandment, in the name of Jesus Christ.
2. I command you spirit of Balaam in me, come out by fire, in the name of Jesus Christ.
3. O Lord God, deliver me from negative influence on people, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Have A Fulfilling Thursday!
