Bible in a Year Blog

Numbers 22:21-23:30 + Luke 1:57-80 + Psalm 58:1-11 + Proverbs 11:12-13
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Old Testament – Today in Numbers chapter 22 we read about Balaam’s talking donkey! Yes, this is a very unique portion of scripture, and, yes, one we can learn from. In verses 27 & 28 we read: “When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat her with his staff. Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?”  There is a lot going on in the verses leading up to this point, and in the verses thereafter – which you can study more at this link . I think one thing for us to pay attention to here is how we are sometimes saved from a bad situation by what at first glance appears to be an “inconvenience.” A donkey laying down and starting to talk is inconvenient to Balaam. But, this talking donkey saved Balaam from an angel with a sword in hand that Balaam could not see. Are there perhaps “inconveniences” in your life today that are maybe saving you from a bad situation? Or, do you recognize inconveniences in the past that saved you from a bad situation? I know I have. If my car breaks down or I get sick or I miss a flight – all inconveniences – I try to remind myself that it might just be possible that this inconvenience was meant to be. It may have saved me from something much worse happening. The inconvenience – the “talking donkey” – may have actually saved me from something I could not see. Keep your eyes open for inconvenient “talking donkeys” in your life 🙂 – and praise God for them when they appear! Here’s Rembrandt’s take on Balaam’s talking donkey from the year 1626:

Bible.org commentary on Balaam in chapters 22 & 23 is at this link.

New Testament – I love Zechariah’s prophecy in today’s readings in Luke chapter 1!  In particular verses 76-79 when speaking about his son John the Baptist: “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.””  Amen!  Below is Leonardo Da Vinci’s portrait of John the Baptist from the year 1516:

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings in Luke today titled “Why John Was Not Named ‘Little Zach'” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 58 verse 11 stood out to me today – “”There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.””  I think this is wise for us to remember that God indeed judges.  We don’t.  We shouldn’t.  But God indeed judges justly.  This verse also brings up the question – are we living for God?  If so, what will our reward be?  Are you looking forward to the reward?

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 11 verses 12 & 13 today talk about how foolish it is to belittle a neighbor or gossip about others.  I have to admit – these verses are convicting to me today – as I’ve been doing this recently.  It makes me sad to realize that I have, but I have.  I pray that instead of me thinking I am so righteous that I can talk behind someone’s back that I will instead remain silent.  I pray for silence upon my tongue when it comes to gossip or belittling others…

Worship Video: Today’s Psalm reminds me of the Matthew West song “Only Grace:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_4pMBU58e8

Have you experienced God’s grace? Click here for Grace!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Numbers 23:19 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will trust God completely. Pray that you will see God’s promises made and promises kept in the Bible this year, and in your life.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my reflections in Numbers today, have you ever had any “talking donkey” experiences in your life?  An experience that at first glance was a huge inconvenience to you, but in retrospect was an incredible blessing from God?  Basically, have you ever had a blessing in disguise?  Do you think God still can use “talking donkey” experiences in our lives today to get our attention?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Numbers 22:21-23:30
A talking donkey, a mad false prophet who keeps sacrificing a lot of sheep and bulls ‘cause he’s trying to “get paid,” and revelations from God about His blessings and favor on Israel. This is a very fast moving read today.
The verse that speaks to me iis the 19th verse in chapter 23,
19 God is not a man, that he should lie.
He is not a human, that he should change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
Has he ever promised and not carried it through?
God is telling us that He can be trusted, that His Word is His bond. He doesn’t have to be manipulated, He doesn’t care how many bull and sheep you burn up His Word doesn’t change.
Luke 1:57-80
How do you explain to people God has named your baby? You are foregoing tradition in naming your male child a name that no other mail in your family has had. The child’s father cannot speak and his mother is an old woman. But when the father in writing confirms the child’s name, the man who was mute for nine months now can suddenly speak. Ya know that God is up to something.
This speaks to me about getting out of “the box.” This speaks to me about looking past traditions, the traditions of men, the traditions of cultural and ethnic groups and finding the will of God outside of the box.
Psalm 58:1-11
Imprecatory prayers written by David can be prayed when we think we are facing enemies. God can take any situation that seems to the observer, impossible and change it around making a way where there seem to be no way. David knew about this first hand because He escaped from his adversary, King Saul, many times.
Proverbs 11:12-13
These two verses immediately brought to my mind another passage in Proverbs 26 (Amp) I’m not sure why.
22 The words of a whisperer or slanderer are like dainty morsels or words of sport [to some, but to others are like deadly wounds]; and they go down into the innermost parts of the body [or of the victim’s nature].
23 Burning lips [uttering insincere words of love] and a wicked heart are like an earthen vessel covered with the scum thrown off from molten silver [making it appear to be solid silver].
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Annie:

I wonder if Zechariah understood what he prophesied – or if it was just a divine moment where he spewed out these words that the Spirit gave him… but he didn’t fully grasp…. Fun to think about- does anyone have any ideas on this?
Annie

======= Ramona:

Hey Annie,
I’m not sure if this is the same thing but I’ve spoken things to people, some I didn’t know, and after I said what ever I said, I couldn’t remember what I said.
I also have a friend who has said things to me that were answers to prayers or questions I had been thinking about. When I asked him to explain or elaborate, he looks at me quizzically ’cause he doesn’t remember what he said. But I sure did.
Ramona

========= Beryl:

Hi, its beryl
todays psalm has just the prayer I need:-
I am asking the Lord to break the fangs of this cancer, may it disappear like water on thirsty ground.
Replace “cancer” with the name of your or your loved ones illnesses.
I agree with Mike about the inconveniences of life sometimes being the Lords protection and help.
God bless your day
Beryl

======= Luch:

This story of the talking donkey is one of those very unique times in Bible history where you just sit back, take a deep breath, and say, “I guess it really happened, just as it says, and one leans hard on 2 Timothy 3:16 “ALL Scripture is inspired…” including this story. Like John Ortberg says in his old testament journey, “chalk this one up to “What’s up with that?”
Luch

====== Andrew:

There is a lot today about speaking the word God gives and keeping silent when it is wise.
Psalm 58
1 Do you rulers indeed speak justly?
Do you judge uprightly among men?
2 No, in your heart you devise injustice,
and your hands mete out violence on the earth.
And the verses from Proverbs.
But I am convicted by these verses from the story of Balaam:
Num 22:38 “I must speak only what God puts in my mouth.”
Num 23:12 “Must I not speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?”
There are times when I say or write stuff that is not driven by the Spirit, but by my mind. It may seem clever, it may sound good. It will score points. So the fingers fly over the keyboard, or the tongue wags.
On the other hand, I believe Jesus has saved me, the Spirit of God is dwelling in me, I am part of the Body of Christ, we are on a mission and there are times when the Lord puts things in my mind, on my heart, in my mouth to be said. And I doubt. (Like Zechariah before Gabriel). And there is silence where the Word of God should be heard. Or there are muffled, garbled thoughts where there should be light and clarity.
Andrew

======= Peggy:

In todays reading of Proverbs 11 12 & 13 really spoke to me. I am doing a bible study and todays reading was about bridling your tongue . I to am quilty of talking about others and reponding in a angry tongue. I have prayed that God will help me to control my tongue. To be so little It is a very powerful tool, that can destroy some one. Thank you for this reading today. Have a Blessed day.
Peggy

======= Laura:

RE The Topic of Gossip:
I really believe that the verses in James which talk about the danger of an unbridled tongue are right on the money. James chapter 3 speaks of taming the tongue. Starting in verse 3 it says “When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4, Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are dirven by strong winds, they are streered by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot wants to go. 5, Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6, The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7, All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9, With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likness. 10, Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11, Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12, My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grape vine bear figs: Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water”.
I don’t know about you but I see myself in these verses. They are very convicting. I’ve seen employees get fired, marriages fall apart and church’s split and a lot of feeling that have been hurt which have affected the course of history. All as a result of harsh and cruel words spoken by another or vicious gossip. The same mouth that can tell someone you love them can also tell them you hate them. I think we can all relate to these verses in James. We need to ask God for help daily to control our tongue, especially myself.
There are references to gossip in the old testiment:(NIV) Exodus 23:1 Do no spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness. Psalms 57:4 I am in the midst of lions, I lie among ravenous beasts ,men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. And in Proverbs 25:18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.
In the new testament in 2Thessalonians 3:11-12. It seems idleness is to blame for busybodies. 11,”We hear that some among you are Idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12, Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat”.
Doesn’t this speak to the Welfare society who have too much time in their hands? Time which is not spent for constructive purposes. So many lessons from these valuable scriptures.
Laura

======= Anka:

It’s amazing how Balak wants to try to fool God into cursing his own people..or fool Balaam into cursing God’s people.I’ve not yet been able to read the commentary on Balaam but I sure am looking forward to it.God says NO…but the devil still tries to go around looking for a way around God’s perfectly sealed way.His word is truth(the way things really are)anything contrary is a lie…How I wish I really could grab a tight hold of that in my heart…
In the today’s world of fighting and misunderstanding…I’m sure it’s strange to have people(who don’t even know each other) pull together in love and fight…My prayer partners were thrilled to hear of Beryl’s quick post op recovery…we’re still confident that God started something…He’s not done yet..the battle is His.
We all appreciate Mike’s blog(guess that’s obvious cos we keep coming:))and we are all different ages,cultures,personalities…Barnabas and Paul didn’t agree on everything..May the Holy Spirit guide us to the truth.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Stef:

gossip
something to be careful of is when meeting together in a Bible study or prayer group where we discuss prayer requests and the problems of others..it is very easy for this to lead to the spreading of private facts about other people in the guise of sharing someone elses problems..not gossiping goes a far way towards building up trust in all relationships .
God bless.
stef

======= Ramona:

Numbers 22:21-23:30
Thoughts on Today’s’ Reading.
Balaam’s confrontation with his donkey happened three times, hmmm. All he saw was his inconvenience he never “thought” about what could be causing this behavior. Balaam was concerned about how he appeared to the king’s servants who were strangers to him. When the donkey asked him why he had been beaten three times (Goodness not only could the donkey talk but he could count.), Balaam’s response was, “Because you have made me look like a fool!” Balaam shouted. “If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!” (22:29 NLT)
Do we not do this with our own “loved ones?” When what we have judged in them is bad behavior, do not we jump up and demand our way by using force or manipulation so we can continue down the path despite what our spouses, children or neighbors may see? Instead of asking them what is wrong, our self-interest, our appearance in front of strangers trumps the concerns and possible spiritual insight that our loved ones may see. Then we become abusive, like Balaam and beat the ones who are watching our back.
The next think that caught my eye was the eighth verse of chapter 23,
How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I damn whom GOD has not damned? (Numbers 23:8 MSG)
Someone calls us a name, and in the United States, God forbid if someone calls an Evangelical Christian the “L” word, Liberal. Folks get all out of joint and begin to sweating bullets (Please note I’m using Hyperbole). You get “cursed” out or someone gives the “finger” and we are over the moon. It would do us well to remember this verse. Besides, If someone is not calling your name, don’t answer, and if they don’t know your name they can’t call you. So we need to stop acting a fool and getting all bent out of shape when we are called something or cursed by someone. Unless what they are calling you, is your “name” then calm down and keep smiling. Anything else would be a confirmation of what they have just called you.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Nicole:

I wanted to share a “talking donkey” experience that has recently happened in my life. This is difficult for me to do, but made somewhat easier by the anonymity of this posting, as this is still a fairly pertinent issue for me and one that I haven’t really shared with anyone. Over the past year I have become a quite avid runner, which for me has been such an enjoyment and given a great sense of accomplishment. However, recently I suffered an overuse injury that has prohibited any activity. I have always been a very active person and suddenly having this taken away has crippled me in more ways than I can say, if any of you are involved in a sport, maybe you can relate? But knowing that God uses experiences to humble the proud I think that is what has happened in my case.
Being an active person I got very used to looking a certain way. In the past I struggled with issues around body image, and I somewhat naively assumed that I (keyword being “I”) had overcome them in the past few years. I now believe God has used this injury – my talking donkey – as a wake up call that these issues are still present in my life and that if I really want to overcome them I need to bring them before him. I am ashamed to say that I have been experiencing the same issues around body image now that I have had to stop exercising that used to plague me and it is frustrating because I thought I knew better…and logically I do! But sometimes it’s hard to convince yourself – even when you know what’s right. I also often feel ashamed that there are so many important things to be concerned about in this world and lately I have been so selfish to be consumed by something as superficial as the shape of my body, which hardly defines anything about me.
I’m now praying about this daily and hoping that God will help me in this healing process so that this time I really can recover from this issue, and I think I’m making progress…slow but sure:) Thank you to anyone who has read this far – I know this is a long one and may not be entirely relavent to today’s reading – but I just felt God urging me to share this burden and ask for help, because I now realize I can’t do it on my own. I would appreciate your prayers, even just one, because I know God is the only true solution to this problem and I want to have the strength to turn this completely over to him…easier said than done. Have a blessed day everyone, thank you for listening:)
Nicole

======= Art:

Nicole, I too am a runner. I am very dedicated and run every day. Heart disease is common in my family, and at age 59 I thought it would not happen to me. I was wrong. After a long run one day, I fainted while driving home. My car crashed into a block wall and I was taken to the hospital. I needed open heart surgery…a triple bypass. Doctors say that my fitness through running actually saved my life.
This was 9 years ago. Today I am thankful that I can still run. Slower, and for shorter distances. I no longer can compete. I thank God that my health is currently excellent.
I was depressed after my operation. It looked as though I was going to have to give up running. I loved the races and the people who ran against me. I didn’t realize that there were even better times ahead.
We love you, Nicole, just the way you are. You have a very great heart for God. You are at the top of the list for the important things in life. God is with you to do great things in His name. As a fellow runner, I am with you too. Today, and always, you are in my prayers.
Art

======= Birdie:

As for talking donkey experiences, I think I’ve had a few. So far, no talking animals, but often an inconvenient phone call will cause me to start out later on my trip to work, and sometimes I will find out that there had been a horrible accident on the road where I would have been. Sometimes I have seen the aftermath of these accidents and while I pray for the people who have been injured I also have to remember to thank God for giving me an inconvenience.
Birdie

======= Duane:

Ok… why was his first reaction NOT “AAAAAAAAAAAH MY DONKEY JUST USED WORDS!!!”
And imagine the scene. If he actually is as closely accompanied as the painting suggested, then there were a few more people around to witness a) their first talking donkey and b) someone who is so flabbergasted that he actually talks back.
It’s like a puppeteer who goes around a lot. He’s actually quite good. But he always works in part of his routine where he gets an audience member talking to one of the puppets then has the puppets call them on it. “Sir… I’m not real!”
I think Linda was right on saying that it was either his greed or his coming dillema that led Balaam to be so distracted.
Duane

======= Katie:

We talked about “coincidences” last night at church; that they are , many times, more like divine appointments set up by the Lord. I guess this subject of inconveniences could apply to that too. Isn’t the Lord so awesome to tell you the same things many ways. (For slow people like myself, it’s an extra blessing lol)
I know that the Lord uses many many things to communicate to me. Talking donkeys are sometimes the only way I’ll listen ;)….
I’ve heard my husband say “If God could use a donkey (or another term for donkey- lol) to speak to Balaam, surely He can use even me….” funny….
God bless everyone here today!
Katie

======= Jenny:

ha! the donkey starts talking to him n Balaam just talks back to him like it was nothing. If i had an animal speak to me, i think i’d know something was up! poor donkey. that balak doesnt give up does he! i have met ppl like this, evil persistent men, like a guy who tried to kidnap me when i was like 13. the urgency n persistence he had sickened me!
I’m the same way tho, anytime something happens that makes me be late or inconvience me, i just think its Gods way of protecting me, like I have gone places i was delayed going to, to see an accident had happened i would have been in. once, long story short, i wouldnt been sideswiped and very hurt had not the Lord delayed me. My sister has incredible stories too! i dont have time to share, but amazing stuff. i totally trust in Gods protection.
I too have not been silent when I should have been recently and God rebuked me. I thought i had a justifiable reason, but God said, no your heart n motives are evil. yikes! great readings, wish i more time to comment.
Jenny

======= Margaret:

I had to do extra studying because I was puzzled why God was angry at Balaam for going to talk to Balak when God had allowed Balaam to go. I learned it was because God could read Balaam’s heart. I guess that means that Balaam wanted to go to reap the rewards promised him by Balak if Balaam would curse the Israelites.
Margaret

======= Skip:

The mini-stroke I had in ’96 was my “talking donkey”. It opened my eyes to the fact that God was not happy with me living with my fiance’. It showed me that I was living in sin and committing fornication. But what it really showed me was a side of my fiance’; I should say ex-fiance’ that I hadn’t seen before. She was not for me and I truly believe that because I was not listening to God about the situation, He gave me a “talking donkey”. I refer to it as God smacking me on the head to get my attention. It worked, and I avoided what most likely would have been a bad marriage. Thank you God.
Yours in Christ
Skip

======= Tracy:

I have definitely had ‘talking donkey’ experiences in my life, things have happened which delayed my departure and I avoided being involved in an accident. I always believe when inconveniences crop up that I am being protected against something, I might not ever know what it is.
Tracy

====== Keith:

I love your site. It always encouraging to run across other in depth studies of the word of God!
Keith

======== Wendy:

I have a questions with regard to Numbers 22:20 & 22. It seems that I read in verse 20: “Since these men have come for you, get up and go with them. But be sure to do only what I tells you to do.” Then in Numbers 22 Verse 22, “But God was furious that Balaam was going, so he sent the angel of the Lord to stand in the road to block his way. Why did it appear that God was ok with him going in Verse 20 but he was angered in verse 22.
Thank you for your assistance.
Wendy

======= Chris:

Wendy, I’ve struggled before with the apparent conflict here before (get permission from God in v20, then God gets mad in v22). The commentaries and comments I have read thus far have all provided some explanation, but none that brought me to terms with these verses, … but they all pretty much agree that Balaam was not one of the good guys. So, I accept that I don’t fully understand these, and I turn to other places in the Bible to see what they say about Balaam:
2 Peter 2:15-16 …forsaking the right way they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, but he received a rebuke for his own transgression; for a dumb donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet.
Jude 1:11 Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.
Revelation 2:14 ‘But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit acts of immorality.
Besides these NT references, there are several others in the OT (Jos, Neh, Mic) … none of which paint Balaam in a good light. So for now I accept that I just don’t fully understand the words in v20&22 yet … and I’ll move on for now and dig a little more next time I read Numbers.
Here’s the Net Bible note relating to this–
sn God’s anger now seems to contradict the permission he gave Balaam just before this. Some commentators argue that God’s anger is a response to Balaam’s character in setting out – which the Bible does not explain. God saw in him greed and pleasure for the riches, which is why he was so willing to go.
Chris

========= Dee:

Hi guys,
Lots happening today, I took a while this morning studying Bob Deffinbaughs illustration and indepth study of Numbers. Very interesting. Wendy, If you are listening and reading go to his link that Mike has above and you will understand everything you need to know about Balak and Balaam. I too, was wandering why the Lord commanded Balaam not to go to Balak, then allowed to go, then got furious and was about to slay him on the road to Balak and his people. Bob describes it like a parent who has a child who keeps persisting and asking and you give in and let them do it the whole while you are not happy about it but they have to learn for themselves. He did alot of things wrong and one was he thought he could manipulate God like he did the other “gods” in his life. It said that the gods of Baal, were able to easy be manipulated into the sinful acts of man, so he only told the “guests” of his home a half truth about the conversation with Yahweh, which he forgot to tell them why God said no, and then Balaam didn’t tell them that God said he would never curse those who he blessed, he has shown favor with Israel, and for that He is going to keep His promises to His people, and why Balaam would understand that no is no and kept wanting to negotiate with God is beyond me, but he was working for the other “little g” of this world, because God forbade him ‘not’ to curse them, so God didn’t deny that Balaam had some power which meant he was working for the underworld.. However what I thought was interesting was that Balak was a Midianite and was a descendent of Abraham from his second wife Keturah, who had Midian, and Moses when leaving Egypt fled to the town of Midian and marrying a midianite priest daughter, and had two sons. Also, they were related through Lot, (again, read Bobs link above) it really brought revelation to my eyes and for that I am greatful and intriqued.
Pertaining to the proverbs readings today, It struck a chord with me too because I too have been guilty of belittling a neighbor recently and am repenting now and am so sorry for that. Sometimes we don’t realize what we do before its too late and the tongue is something we just have to tame like James points out, thank you Lord for your discernment and the Holy Spirit to nudge our guilty conscience and that You Lord for the Blood that was shed for me!!
Love You Guys,
~~Be Blessed
Dee

======== Frederick:

Numbers 22 & 23
God did not allow Balaam to curse the Israelites. As seen in the OT, the Israelites often forgot God and grumbled etc.. But when it came to judgment and blessing and curses, it was within God’s own jurisdiction. God allowed no Balaam to curse the Israelites. However bad the Israelites were, they were God’s people and He loved them. Only He could do the judgment.
Frederick

======= Steve:

My apologies for yesterday’s post, I accidentally read beyond the stopping point in Numbers and then posted my comment on Balaam’s Donkey which is actually in today’s readings. Hey, when the stories are this interesting it’s easy to blow right past the stopping point.
Mike’s question: “Are there perhaps “inconveniences” in your life today that are maybe saving you from a bad situation? Or, do you recognize inconveniences in the past that saved you from a bad situation?”
Yes, immediately one came to mind that happened about five years ago. I was in a hurry and got stuck behind a really slow moving truck approaching the freeway entrance and yes I was feeling pretty impatient but had no choice but wait it out. As I got on the freeway and blew past this slow moving truck I noticed up ahead all kinds of smoke and I hit the brakes with just enough time to avoid a huge pile up of cars in a major accident. If I had not encountered the inconvenience of that slow moving truck, I would have been right in the middle of a really bad accident involving a lot of cars that weren’t so lucky. Now when I encounter delays while driving, I remember that slow moving (Balaam’s Donkey) truck and my impatience quickly evaporates.
In the today’s readings what stood out for me was Proverbs 11:12-13. Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Today’s proverb reading said much-In just a few words. What came to mind was that God has entrusted each of us with the neighborhood and surrounding neighbors we have for a reason. We are to set an example by not grumbling, not complaining, not entering into gossip and not speaking derogatory words. Do we want to change the world? The place to start is with our own neighbors, the small flock that God has entrusted us with. Lord, give me the wisdom to be the best neighbor I can be.
Steve

======= Reuben:

What makes it hard not to hold my peace is when my flesh has reason to despise – anger, jealousy, bitterness, or self-pity. And my neighbor can be any one, although those in closest proximity (family, literal neighbors, co-workers, church members) are the ones who I seem to get in a wad about the most.
Reuben

======= Beverly:

I saw this a little different in that we should have understanding to the one we might have gossiped about. We try to please our friends because we know in our minds how happy they will be to hear this but we should be thinking about the object of gossip and what they might be going through. Also I usually only see the talking donkey after the fact, I pray that God would allow me to see the obstacles as a good thing while it is happening. Either way I thank God for the obstacles or talking donkeys that save me from sin, grief or other misfortunes.
Beverly

======= Ron:

29 And Balaam said to the donkey
And he said, “No.”
Was I the only one that noticed that Not only was the donkey “talking”
but Balaam did not hesitate to “talk Back”???
Many of us do the same thing when God is trying to speak to us. We tend
to talk back before we even notice the miracle in front of our eyes.
Ron

======= Robert:

Numbers 22
Balaam
DON’T SHOOT THE MESSENGER!
A lot of times we think the guy delivering the message is responsible for the news. We can easily blame him for the way he looks or what he does in his time off. Even though Balaam beats his poor donkey he speaks God’s truth. Sure he is a false prophet but God uses him. Good thing to remember in today’s world.
Bob Deffinbaugh says, “As we approach Numbers 22:36-24:25, we will attempt to focus on three things: (1) the stubborn persistence of Balak; (2) the progress of Balaam; and, (3) the oracles which God had spoken through Balaam. I would remind you that while Balaam is a false prophet, the words he speaks in our text are the words of God. Just as God can speak through a donkey, He can also speak through a man like Balaam. Indeed, one of the great prophecies of the Old Testament is to be found in our text!” He speaks of Jesus Christ in 24:17,
In reading the Balaam/Balak story it points to my own personal desires to curse someone. How many times have I felt the urge to ask God to curse someone? I haven’t yet but the desire is there. I think this opens up that conversation we have to have with God about our inner dark thoughts. This story is a lead up to the cursing psalms. We read a little of that in today’s Psalm 58. We want retribution but have to let God’s justice be tempered with Jesus love.
Proverbs 11:12-13
Wonderful way of thinking that can help us understand that it is God who decides justice in his time and it’s our responsibility to control our speech and temper.
Robert

====== Mitch:

Comment Question: IMO when we get to heaven, as adopted children of God (saved), we will be surprised at the number of inconveniences (talking donkeys) that occurred in our earthly lives. Those inconveniences saved us from greater inconveniences (bad things) that would have occurred if God had not intervened in such a way.
Balaam – nowhere in Hebrew text does it say he was a prophet. Why did Balak send to Mesopotamia for this man? Well, he must have had a reputation of some sort of talking to the gods or spirits. Makes him a seer. Not sure if Balaam was surprised when he talked to God of Israel (Yahweh), but the donkey incident indicates Balaam was going to do things his way. That is when the Angel of the Lord stepped in to scare him straight.
Talking donkey – Did God open donkey’s mouth and speak through the animal or let the animal talk but controlled the message? Not sure. The Creator of the universe would have had no trouble doing either option. Either way Balaam got the message – and in first two speeches only blessed the Israelites. (Note: Balaam must not have known God’s word to Abraham – ‘cursed are those that curse you’)
Interesting that Balak moved Balaam to another place to curse the Israelites – as Yahweh might not be able to influence Balaam in a different locale. Balak assumes Yahweh is a God of limited power – and how wrong he was back then and some of us today.
Mitch