Today’s Passage: Numbers 21-22
I am pumped that I get the chance to comment on these two chapters; really chapter 22 because it is such a bazaar story. Actually, it is probably not a passage of Scripture that is discussed very often. Before the story of the talking donkey, chapter 21 records the actions of Moses with the bronze serpent.
Chapter 21 records the impatience of the Israelite people and God’s response to their sin. If we recall, the Israelites were imprisoned/slaves in Egypt. Then God miraculously rescued His people using the leadership of Moses. Here we see their impatience turns to frustration and “what they really thought,” comes out in the open against God and Moses. Because of their sin, we see that God performs another miracle using the bronze serpent. This may have been done because it would have been somewhat familiar to the people while also reminding them that God is in control.
From this particular chapter, I’ve tried to think back in my own life where I’ve asked God to do something, then along the way I’ve gotten impatient and scolded God for the place/position He had put me in. We know that when we asked God for things, He does hear us and He replies with one or three answers: yes; no; and not yet. Often times when I asked God for something, I don’t get exactly what I wanted, but in a “round-about” way I get it – I am provided for on God’s terms not mine. I think this is what the Israelites where taking for granted! The next chapter, we see that Balaam did the same exact thing. At least I know that I am not the only one!
Chapter 22 records the TRUE story of Balaam’s donkey talking to him. Now, the donkey did not merely start speaking. Instead, God spoke through the donkey to get the attention of Balaam. WOW, what an interesting way for God to use to get the attention of Balaam. What I found striking about this is that the donkey saw the angel of the Lord before Balaam was able to see Him. This tells me that Balaam’s focus was definitely not where it was supposed to be. It reminded me of those times when I’m in my car and I am so frustrated at the horrible driver in front of me, so I veer around and give the look of death at the other driver. Then later I think of how I was not displaying the love of Christ! At any rate, God used a talking donkey to get the attention of Balaam. Does God need to get your attention? How hard is it for God to get your attention? It is very important to know that God will do whatever it is necessary to get your attention and focus back on Him! It was once said to me that God will go as far as you are willing and one step more to get your attention!
You know, that's very much true. God will use anything to REALLY get our attention.
ReplyDeleteI remember a while back, I had a dream about some vases. It's a long story, but basically, I saw a whole bunch of vases and depending on how big the bouque in the vase was, indicated how close to God a person was. I remember mine was half full. Even after having that dream, I didn't continue to do much to chase God. I simply said simple prayers but I didn't really Follow God or Chase God or try to figure out how God related to me, or what he wanted to do.
Then, God tried a different method. God apparently uses computers too, because that's what he used to get my attention, since I'm on it all the time. I met Daniel through my online game I play on there. I got really close to Daniel, and I knew I could trust him. I decided to go see him, and somehow, God enabled me to have the money to go. Really, I don't see how I EVER came into that amount of money, at just the right time to be able to go see him. But the situation was much deeper than I thought it was. I was so frustrated about it, I started going back to church! In the end, I told God "If I can't be with him, please make sure he finds you!". In the end, God told me not to go to Daniel, though he told me through other people. God enabled me to be able to do ALL of that to see what I would choose. Would I PAY attention and listen to God, or would I go ahead and go see Daniel anyways, even though I knew it was safe, and didn't have a reason not to? God brought me to the door, but told me not ot open it. God said no. Altho, in the end, he did answer ONE prayer of mine. During this time, as I had prayed for Dnaiel too, Daniel decided to go back to church.
The point is, God used what it took to get my attention, to SHAKE me out of nothingness to want to find him. He used the means he knew he could to get through to me, and thankfully, I realized it. God really can use anything to get your attention. Whatever will do. God also answered all my prayers in a timely manner. He answered the ones that were Right as I liked to put it. God didn't allow me to be with Daniel, but he did answer the prayer for Daniel to be with him.
God will use whatever it takes to get your attention. We should always make sure to listen and try to pay attention, or we might miss what he is trying to save us from, or tell us.