Balaam the Son of Beor was a prophet who heard from God. In the course of his life he corrupted his ways. He loved money and worldly materials. Therefore it became easy for him to fall into sin. Knowing the will of God, he resisted early attempts to entice him with riches. Balak, king of Moab and son of Zippor hired Balaam to curse Israel. Balaam said no gift would make him alter the word of the LORD. Three times, in quick succession, Balaam tried to seek instruction from the LORD on the same issue of cursing Israel. He knew the mind of the LORD but he was making extra efforts because of his love for wealth. The LORD was displeased with Balaam. He heard his donkey speaking in a man’s voice; yet he was engaged in conversation with the donkey, without thinking twice at the strange manifestations. The angel of the LORD showed up with drawn flaming sword, and was poised to kill him. Balaam foolishly went on his sponsored trip to curse Israel in spite of the strange manifestations. When the LORD said No, his counsel couldn’t have suddenly changed, granting him permission to curse Israel. Seeking to please Balak by asking the same question three times from the LORD, the prophet’s greed and insincerity were exposed. Each time he was poised to please the pagan king, Balak, he found himself blessing Israel instead because the LORD overruled.
We should never engage in our ministry with eye-service, seeking to please men. Rather, we ought to please God always. When politicians of mean standards bring part of their ill-gotten riches into the Church, ministers of God should reject them whenever they ascertain the sources of such wealth. Our God is the rewarder and the judge of the quick and the dead. The Church must boldly rebuke the greed, recklessness and arrogance of many political office holders. It is our duty to pray for them and give counsel, but never to pat them on the back when they go wrong. We must not call bad actions good because of expectations of financial or material rewards.
The Bible states: The foundation of God stands sure, having this seal; the Lord knows those who are his. And let those who call the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Timothy 2:19.
The Bible states in 1Timothy 2:1-5, that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men. For kings and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
Jesus Christ gave himself a ransom for all. It is a faithful saying and worthy to be accepted; that Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners; and that includes you and I. This good news is not to be compromised. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16.
It is sad to state that Balaam perished because of his greed for wealth. After being prevented by God from cursing Israel, Balaam went behind the scene to instruct the people of Moab and Midian to entice the people of the LORD with idolatry and sexual immorality. The evil counsel worked against Israel. The nation had severe setbacks and deaths through plague. Balaam was destroyed eventually with his ill-gotten riches! Numbers 22-24; Numbers 31:8. 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11; Revelation 2:14.
The LORD owns all the earth including all the riches in it. He is our Rewarder, both now and ever more. He is the Almighty. He is the All-sufficient God, the El-Shaddai.
He is our Provider; JEHOVAHJIREH.
Part of an old song runs thus:
When Jesus comes to reward his servants. Whether it be noon or night; Say will he find you and me still watching, waiting; waiting when the LORD shall come.
Oh can you say, We are ready brother(and sister too),ready for the souls bright home. .?
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, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25.
Grace be with you all.
31 Mar
AgapeFocus 