Bless and Curse

O. T. #350 "Bless and Curse"
August 25, 2014
Numbers 23-Part 1
God is not a man, that he should life; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he don't dot it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? 
 Numbers 23:19

LET IT GLOW


James asked, in 3:9-11,  With the same tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?

How often do I find myself doing the same thing? People can get on your last nerve, right? It can only take one thing to tick you off and here you go. Okay, they can get on my last nerve. They can tick me off. And I can spend a whole week talking about one incident. Making others miserable around me, avoid me because of it. Then I have wasted a whole week in that mood. Oh, then I turn around and praise God in song. Are you with me? God's grace does not blow me off the face of the earth, I deserve. Why can't I learn to pray for that person that ticks me off instead of reacting? Turn the other cheek, show love they need? Bless and curse with the same tongue.
God was not going to allow Balaam to curse Israel, though.

Here is the meeting which Balak, king of Moab, had long awaited. They got their bellies full at a a feast, then Balak showed his guest his land. They got down to business. Keep in mind, Balak expects Balaam to curse Israel so Moab and Midian are protected from any attacks. To Balak's surprise, every time Balaam opened up his mouth to speak, he blessed Israel instead.

In chapters 23 and 24, we read of the four visions of Israel which Balaam verbalizes. Let's look at the first two:

1. Israel's calling-Balaam could not curse Israel because God had blessed Israel.  That nation was a special people, called by God and separate from the other nations. The increase of Israel would be as the dust. Balaam desired to die as a righteous Jew, blessed and in favor with God. (verses 1-12)
2. Israel's acceptance-Balaam makes it clear that God speaks and keeps His Word.  Man is unreliable, but God is reliable. He does not change. His Word always comes to pass. 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? (Verse 19, NIV)

  What a comfort to know that God's Word is truth. What He says, He will do. What He promises, will be. Does our faith hold onto these truths? Do we need to practice more of these qualities, truthfulness and promise keeper? Do we bless others? Do we keep our word?


LET IT GROW

     Israel was accepted by God. They had been delivered from Egypt by the blood of the Lamb, and they were God's own purchased possession (Ex. 19:1-6). Humanly speaking, they were failures, but from the divine view-point, they were the people of God forever.  (Wiersbe)

God calls us to salvation in His Son, Jesus Christ. He wants a close relationship as a son or daughter with their father. He accepts us whenever our sins are covered with the blood of the Lamb.

Hey, did you see the word unicorn in verse 22. David Guzik says that it is mentioned nine times in the Old Testament. It may refer to a rhinoceros, a wild ox, or a strong goat.
God gives strength when it is needed. If we could just learn to turn to Him for it. A lesson for me to learn. This strength warrants them the capacity to do things their way. What about me?


LET IT GO

Don't be stubborn as donkey or head strong as an ox going my own way.

Trust God.

Bless the Lord Jesus.

Hold onto God's truths and promises. Share them with others.