Numbers 22 THE ERROR OF BALAAM The word "covetous" sometimes seems not much more that a fairly inconspicuous and unused way of expressing greed. In the apostate prophet, Balaam, it is personified. This Mesopotamian diviner must have been notable in the Middle East for his prognostications. His name means "confuser" and he certainly lived up to that designation. His heart was focused on money, "the wages of unrighteousness," and he was Satan's man for the moment. Those fabricators of lies followed "the father of lies," even to using speaking in unknown tongues and ecstatic speech. He did have a knowledge of God and knew Him to be the God of Israel. There were people in the days of the early church who followed "the way of Balaam," and there are those today who do the same. "The wages of unrighteousness" have great appeal to those who measure success in financial terms. There are those who preach a "prosperity gospel." They say God does not want anyone to be poor. This teaching is false. We do not find any scripture that teaches God exalts the rich. The scriptures do give warnings along that line. "Set not they heart upon them (riches)." Earthly riches are described in the Bible as: spiritually valueless, inferior, fleeting, unsatisfying, hurtful, deceitful, choking, uncertain and corrupted.
Balak, who name means "empty," feared the nation of Israel that had passed around his country, Moab, to the east and then went north and defeated Sihon and Og. Moab was not a Canaanite nation and God had not planned for it to be attacked. But Balak feared what he saw and seemed to know there was more involved than just a skillful army. When God's people are living in fellowship with Him and obediently following His word, there is something unique and special about their demeanor and practice. People of the world wonder how a scripturally gathered company can function without a worldly form of organization. God uses whatever is suitable to a called out group of His own people to work His will in a given place. Scripturally gathered assemblies are not like franchises that make one assembly identical to another. Each has a "personality" that God suits to the location.
In God's dealings with Balaam, He was never addressed as Lord, nor does He speak of Himself as Lord. When He is Lord, there is obedience, faith, love, appreciation and gratitude that is evident. Any person that uses the work of God or the things of God as a deliberate means of financial gain, knows nothing about the Lordship of Christ. Balaam's first refusal of Balak's request and the riches that would be his, was not because of a conviction on his part to obey God. He was plainly told to refuse what Balak wanted even though the wages of unrighteousness appealed to him. At the second time when a delegation came from Balak, Balaam used the words, "my God," but it was only as a courtesy and a way to avoid personal responsibility for rejecting Balak's offer. By dodging his personal responsibility he made a fatal mistake and the "error of Balaam" for a reward took place on the third time the offer was made. If we are not convinced that a thing is wrong, even though God clearly says it is, then He may allow our desire to take place - but we must suffer the consequences.
Apostasy is deliberately rejecting or going against revealed truth. From such action there is no recovery. Balaam's greed was not satisfied. God may allow what He does not want one to have or do. Balaam was reminded three times on the way to see Balak, when the Angel of God used the donkey to tell him he ways out of the way of righteousness. God is never limited as to how He chooses to convey His message. We may even see something take place before our eyes that we know is supernatural but the spiritual realities escape our consideration. An awakening to the reality of the living God who communicates with men is not the new birth. Sometimes changes in behavior takes place because one fears the consequences of punishment that would follow.
Against his will, Balaam had to only speak the words God had put in his mouth. Looking down from a high position on some peak where they could see the people of God encamped, Balak with Balaam beside him, sacrified animals as the pagan religions of that area practiced. The organs of sacrificed animals were often inspected as some portent relating to the future. The liver was the one they looked at most to be considered when they made their offerings and decisions. For us as the people of God to follow the ways and practices of religions around us must be very offensive to God. When one takes the place of a seer or fortune-teller who has some magic powers that people believe in, that person is under the control of Satan.
There is a real difference between what is of God and what is of man. The first and fundamental difference is that God has given us His word to guide our teaching and conduct. What is convenient, comfortable or friendly doesn't really matter. It is what God says that is important. Anything that exalts and enriches man by men, is of the world. If God chooses to do that, then that is His prerogative, but it will be done with a spiritual reason in view. The insignificance of man compared with God is obvious when God is working His will. The faith of men in Him is the best way people can please God. For us to overlook or curse what God has chosen to bless, puts us on the side of the enemy. The opposite is true as well. When God makes His will known, then accept that verdict as final and do not try to avoid the responsibility of refusing what God refuses.
When something has been made plain - accept it. Don't try to avoid the consequences that come. Avoidance of responsibility can become a bad habit - That divides both nations and people's homes. There are costs to be paid when one does right. That should be expected, and we should be willing to pay For the misunderstanding of those who live only by sight - And make a mockery of what God does do and say.
Attractions will always be in this world - That appeal to pleasure and our flesh. When we see them, then the flag of faith unfurl - So those things will be put to the test Of real value, not just what is appealing But what is real and what is able to last.
The dark side someone may be concealing - That will be known only when this life is past.
When God speaks, may I have faith to listen - For I know what He says is the truth. Worldly things may look bright and glisten - But the outside doesn't show real worth. I need to hear and see what God sees - And take action on what I know pleases Him. He alone is the One I want to serve and please - Not to be known as one who pleases men.
"I know, Father, that a person can talk to Thee and be heard. But if there is no faith and no willingness to be led by Thee in paths of righteousness, then the final consequences of such an attitude is eternal loss, not gain. Amen."