Monday, October 19, 2020

Numbers 22:27-31

Numbers 22:27-31 
English Standard Version 

  One of the great Old Testament stories here.  The entire chapter will give you context, but Balaam is on his way to curse the Israelites when an angel of the Lord blocks the path, but only the donkey can see the angel.  Balaam starts beating the donkey, who will not go forward, and so the donkey starts talking back to Balaam, asking if he hadn't been a trustworthy donkey.  Suddenly, God allows Balaam to see the angel, and Balaam realizes that the donkey wasn't resisting Balaam but rather saving his life from the angel of the Lord.
  It's a great story, but also instructive for us.  There are so many things we can't see that are going on.  God is at work in the world around us, but we don't always see the fullness of it.  We may think things are going against us or falling apart, but God is holding them together, although that can sometimes require an incredible amount of trust.  It can be tempting to lash out in frustration when things look as though they are going against us, but God has not given up on you.  All is not lost.  Our plans may have to change, but God is still working things together for good.

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