Num 23-25 Semi-Obscure, Interesting Bible Story

February 21st, Numbers 23-25

       Welcome to the world of the wacky intermixed with God's interaction. Here's the main characters...

Balak: Playing the role of nervous King wanting to undermine the threat of the Israelites.
Balaam: Professional curser
Donkey: Donkey...that talks once in awhile

       So Balak is nervouse about this nation of people moving his way. Wants to hire Balaam to bring a curse on them. God tells Balaam "You can only say what I tell you to say." Balaam seems to be okay with this even though he is turning down a fortune. Balak expects money will solve it and goes ahead with his evil plan. Balak gives Balaam three chances to curse God's people. Each time Balaam offers a blessing instead!
       Interesting statement from the morning is the reaction of Balak after the third blessing. Numbers 24:10-14
       ¹⁰ Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam. He struck his hands together and said to him, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but you have blessed them these three times.¹¹ Now leave at once and go home! I said I would reward you handsomely, but the Lord has kept you from being rewarded.”

¹² Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not tell the messengers you sent me, ¹³ ‘Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the Lord—and I must say only what the Lordsays’? ¹⁴ Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you of what this people will do to your people in days to come.”

       Here's my great promise from today. God is in control of things beyond our ability to know. As much as an evil person with evil intent wanted to hire someone to bring a curse, God changed that curse into a blessing. It reminds of the verse about "no weapon formed against shall prosper."

       This story has more to come. These two will be back on the scene. It's safe to say this... God's not gonna let an outsider pronounce a curse over his people, but...

Gen 48-50 Great Endings

January 17th, Genesis 48-50

       These last chapters of Genesis are like the end to a good tear-jerker of a movie. The story begins to end with Jacob blessing two of the brothers. The part of the story where Joseph tries to alter the blessing and just have it go to the oldest is interesting. In the end, father-knows-best (thank you very much son). From my vantage point it all seems like a really cool moment of blessing for everyone. Jacob was part of stealing a blessing from his brother, but this feels more like a blessing for all.

       Chapter 49 is the spoken proclamation of blessing for each of his sons. In it I witness a great awareness that a father has for his children. In it I sense a rich moment of intimacy and pray that when I am on my deathbed I would really know my family that well. As great as I feel about this moment and the knowledge of an earthly father doing it well, I am overwhelmed by the thought of our Heavenly Father who knows us even better and the great privilege it is to be carried by the one who knows our name, collects our tears, and has our image on the palm of his hand.

       Chapter 50 speaks of a grand solemn moment for honoring life. The nations witness the burial and the impact of a family line on millions of people. All of this interrupted by the fear of brothers. Brothers who think their father's death is now opportunity for Joseph to get his revenge. And again a moment of forgiveness. A moment where I wonder how I would react if the people who brought me the most harm in my life, combined with me having absolute power to do with them as I wish... what would I do?

       Praise God for a great role model for us. Life and hope always has more value than grudges and revenge. The jealousy of some brothers saved the lives of millions, and the grace and mercy of God come through the hands of the victim. May it be so for us as well.