“When Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go, as at other times, to look for omens, but set his face toward the wilderness. And Balaam… saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. The Spirit of God came upon him, and he said,
“’The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,
the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,
the oracle of him who hears the words of God,
who sees the vision of the Almighty,
falling down with his eyes uncovered:
How lovely are your tents, O Jacob,
your encampments, O Israel!
Like palm groves that stretch afar,
like gardens beside a river,
like aloes that the Lord has planted,
like cedar trees beside the waters.
Water shall flow from his buckets,
and his seed shall be in many waters;..
and his kingdom shall be exalted…’
“’The oracle of Balaam..,
the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,
of him who hears the words of God,
and knows the knowledge of the Most High,
who sees the vision of the Almighty,
falling down with his eyes uncovered:
I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near:
a star shall come out of Jacob,
and a scepter shall rise out of Israel…
And one from Jacob shall exercise dominion!'” Numbers 24:1-7,15-17a,19a
Balaam’s initial intent to gain materially from Balak by compromising God’s instruction was overtaken by God’s supremacy. Having been humbled by a talking donkey, Balaam could not help but speak what his opened eyes had seen. Although the king of Moab persisted in asking for personal blessing, he could not persuade the enlightened Balaam to change God’s message. (Numbers 22:4-22,27-32,36-38)
All God’s children have a responsibility to proclaim what He’s revealed in His word. Every day we have opportunity to converse with others, share insights, suggest ideas, answer questions. The world persistently issues lies disguised as truth, and works to upend devotion to Christ. The enemy relentlessly appeals to emotion, greed, and pride, trying to get us off course. It’s vital we’re regularly exposed to the Scriptures so they permeate our thinking and inform our messages if we’re to be purveyors of God’s oracles. (Genesis 18:19; Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Psalm 145:4; Romans 10:14; Galatians 6:6)
Wholehearted commitment to speak truth, no matter others’ response, sets straight our course. Would we confess our weaknesses to be cowardly or succumb to fear of rejection or peer pressure? When once we humble ourselves and acknowledge His commands and presence to cheer and guide, we can confidently speak for Him. (Numbers 25:1–3)
What has God done and given in our lives that we can tell? To whom is He prompting us to speak of His victory offered, His grace? When tempted to shy away from speaking, will we ask Him to reveal His word and vision?
“Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of your holy word.
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness,
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfil in us
All Your purposes, for Your glory.” Stuart Townsend and Keith Getty (2005)
Lord, open my eyes to see Your truth, so I speak what You speak in love like Your love.
As the rain and snow 