Talking Donkeys

In Numbers 22, God had opened the mouth of the prophet Balaam's donkey to protest the beating that Balaam was giving her.  In case you don't remember the story, Balaam was a prophet given the ability to bless or curse a nation.  This gifting from God to Balaam was able to be exercised as God had willed,  but also was able to be used outside of the will of God to curse Israel.  That is what Balaam was on his way to do (curse Israel for a price) before this miraculous event occurred.  Balaam was going to choose greed and things of this world over God's will; even being a prophet of the LORD whom had known God's power and presence.  You would think one who knew God's Spirit and Grace would not desire to go against God's will for his life.  But I guess much like the angels in heaven whom had served God and knew His glory but had chosen to believe the lie and rebel against the LORD, Balaam had chosen the potential for his personal gain over the glory of God's promises.

Balaam was on his way to receive the bribe from Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the nation of Israel.  Balaam had saddled his donkey the way he always had and was on the road, blinded by his greed and distorted reality.  God's sovereignty was not going to be usurped.  God had called for Israel to be a blessed nation and not to be cursed.  It would appear that Balaam had the ability to choose to rebel from God's will, but there was going to be a price to pay.  An angel of the LORD was sent to stop Balaam.  The angel blocked the road with sword in hand.  This angel was not the floating on a cloud with wings and a harp picture popular in the world, this was a mighty soldier (heavenly host) of the LORD with sword out ready for battle.  This angel, sent by God, was ready to take care of business however it needed to play out, including killing Balaam.

Balaam's donkey had seen the angel and had gotten the message and continued to try to turn away from the road, only to receive a beating from Balaam.  When Balaam, who did not have the ability to see the angel, continued to press his donkey to drive forward, God, in His power, sovereignty, and most importantly, His mercy, opened the mouth of the donkey to speak to Balaam.

Here is an interesting couple of points to note.  The first point is Balaam had set out with his two servants.  Two witnesses are what were needed in the Hebrew courts, so this is not something that happened in isolation.  The second interesting point is that when Balaam's donkey had spoken, Balaam had engaged in a conversation with his donkey.

Imagine being either so fixated on something that you miss the incredible miracles that are happening right before your own eyes or so expectant of God to do miraculous things around you that supernatural events aren't a surprise to you.  I think, unfortunately, most people fall into the first category.  I would love to live a life that actually anticipated God to be working in astounding and miraculous ways so much to the point that when prayers were answered and His work unfolded I would not be in disbelief.

The story ends with God continuing to show mercy on Balaam by opening Balaam's eyes (spiritual sight) to be able to also see and also converse with the angel of the LORD.  You think the donkey talking would have slowed Balaam down and not actually led to a conversation with the animal; as if it were an every day occurrence.  In seeing the angel, Balaam finally falls on his face.  The angel admonishes Balaam for beating his donkey who was only trying to protect Balaam because the angel of the LORD had already decided that he would kill Balaam had he not stopped.  Balaam confesses his sin and repents.  Then Balaam is able to be put back into useful service for God once again.  

It makes me want to sit back and focus on what it is in my life that I am being so narrow focused on that I am missing God's work happening right in front of me.  God has shown that He desires us to use the gifts he has given to us for His purposes and not simply for our gains in this world.  God's will will be done.  God is patient with me, not wanting me (or anyone) to perish but come into repentance (2 Peter 3:9 NIV).  The trick is for me to not go off head strong into my plans and my ways, arguing with a donkey (and looking like a donkey myself).  I do pray God will open my eyes before it is too late, because if not, there is a penalty that will be paid for my willful rebellion.  Personally, I prefer to be on the repentance and blessing side and be able to be put into useful service for the Lord.