Old Testament reading: Numbers 22-24
To borrow the southern vernacular, today’s text gives the account of Balaam, “that feller what had the talkin’ mule.” When I think of Balaam, I tend to associate him with Israel because he conversed directly with God and blessed Israel four times. What I find when I read the text is that he is obviously not an Israelite. For example, Balaam is living near Moab when Balak calls for him to come and curse “a people who are coming from Egypt” (22:5). Balak obviously knows of Balaam and his work. Note also how Balaam has no knowledge of these people as he inquires of God concerning Balak’s request (22:10-12). Another interesting fact is that Balaam has some history of dealing with God before this account. Note how God appeared to Balaam and Balaam is unfazed by said appearance. Note also Balaam’s ease in conversing with God, as if this were not uncommon, and I tend to think it wasn’t. These facts, like the account of Jonah, show us that God still dealt directly with Gentiles after the establishment of Israel. He did not abandon them. Unfortunately, Balaam “loved the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Peter 2:15, cf Jude 11). So while he was not willing to curse Israel, he was willing to teach Balak the means by which he could put a stumbling block before Israel that they might overthrow themselves through idolatry and fornication (Rev 2:14). He would later pay for this treachery with his life (Num 31:8).
Our New Testament reading: Acts 25-28
In Romans 1:11-13, Paul expressed his desire and previous plans to visit Rome to strengthen the church and encourage them in their mutual faith. The ascension of Festus to the governorship set the wheels in motion for Paul to finally go to Rome, even as the Lord had promised (Acts 23:11). However, I don’t believe it was in Paul’s plans to go as a prisoner of the Roman government. God would grant Paul’s prayer, but we are reminded that sometimes God answers our prayers with “Yes, but in My way, not yours.” When one considers all the hardships Paul endured en route to Rome, it may have been difficult for Paul to see the eventual blessings of his journey (cf Phil 1:12-13, 4:22). Paul’s journey to Rome as a prisoner led to saints living in Caesar’s house. That Caesar was Nero!
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