“And God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed” (Nu 22:12)

Balaam is a strange character. Some say that he was a true prophet of God who was backsliding. But the best way to describe him is that he was a religious unbeliever and not a true child of God. But he is still a mysterious person. He has a prophetic gift, no doubt about that. But he cannot be described as a true prophet of God. He is a prophetic hireling.  He has a covetous heart. He loves money more than God; especially money made thru evil occult means. There is no record that he ever repented of his wickedness. He knows enough about God and some of his prophesies about the Messiah are wonderful. But in the same time he refuses to obey God. He does not fear God. He is ready to exploit God and to make money out of ministry. He does not care that thousands died as a result of his wicked advice to Balak. Money is his god. The love of this world propelled him to do evil and to sell his prophetic gift to satan’s agents.

The princes of Moab traveled a distance of about 200 miles to see Balaam. That means Balak, the devil’s agent, is ready to pay much to defeat and destroy the children of God. He is afraid of the number and power of Israel as a nation. He knows that he cannot defeat them thru a direct military attack. His strategy is to attack them thru occult means. He wants a spell placed upon them so that they become weak spiritually and physically. Then they shall be defeated.

The first time the elders of Moab came with a gift to tempt Balaam, he did not sin. He did the right thing by praying to God. Then God answered: “No! You should not go and curse these people for they are blessed by Me!” A true prophet of God will accept any word from God, even if the answer is ‘No!’ Balaam grudgingly refuses but he blames God for not allowing him to come with them. Then Balak sends more men with even a greater gift. Balaam already knows God’s answer concerning this issue but he is not willing to accept ‘No’ as the answer. So he goes to pray again. Surprisingly, God says ‘Yes’ this time. In other words, God says to him: “I know that it is in your heart to go there and make money as a prophet. I permit you to go and make money because this is your wish. But this is my condition: your mouth remains under My control. You will only speak My words to them. Now…you can go…”

The lessons here are many. The devil is very persistent and patient. If he is interested in your ‘services’ he is willing to increase the price. Temptation is not just once. For as long as we live on earth, it is an ongoing process. If you have defeated the devil once, he may come back again with a similar proposal.

Also, it is a dangerous thing to allow an idol to dwell in your heart when you go to God and pray. If you ask for guidance, God may allow that idol to direct you in a reckless path that you shall regret.

But the greater lesson is that God is ultimately in control. He can use even evil men for His own purposes and glory. This is a great mystery that should give us much comfort. God is the Father of the believers but He is the God and Judge of all men. Never forget, God is totally in charge of His creation!

In Christ I declare:

I hate the devil!

I repent and reject all idols, visible and invisible!

I love God! All my life, I shall serve God with a pure heart!

God is in charge of my life and my circumstances; even right now!

All things work together for good for me because I love God!

In Jesus name

Amen!