Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
Balaam may have initially sought a message of curse from God by “divination” (22v7, 24v1). The idea is to offer sacrifices on high places to gain the god's favour so they reveal whatever is sought, and are perhaps be bribed to act in a certain way (22v40, 23v1-4, 14-16, 28-30). God’s response doesn't justify the practice. He responds only to state that he is committed to his covenant with the patriarchs. The first oracle stresses he will not curse Israel, and that they are the promised great nation, set-apart from all others. The second, that God will not change his mind as to his promise to bless them, and that no sorcery or people can come against them. Realising God cannot be persuaded to curse, Balaam then stops resorting to sorcery. Instead, by the Spirit he receives the words of God through visions. He then declares how Israel will be blessed in the land, become great, and conquer hostile nations. God’s promise to Abraham is then reiterated (24v9, Gen 12v3), and in the remaining four oracles Balaam predicts the destruction of Moab and the nearby nations at the hands of a glorious king (“star” and “sceptre”) from Israel, which was fulfilled in king David. Once again we are encouraged that God’s cannot be turned from his commitments to those in Christ. Nothing and no-one can hinder his purposes. Indeed, as the ultimate "star" from Israel he will judge those who seek to do so. As you read note what we learn about God.
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.