Obeying God's Will, Not Our Desires

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Verses:Numbers 22:1-20

"Then the children of Israel moved, and camped in the plains of Moab on the other side of the Jordan across from Jericho. And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. So Moab was exceedingly afraid of the people because they were numerous, and Moab was sick with fear because of the children of Israel. And Moab said to the elders of Midian, "Now this company will lick up all that is around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field." And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. Then he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the son of his people, to call him, saying: "Look, a people has come from Egypt. See, they cover the face of the earth, and are settling next to me! Therefore please come and curse this people for me, that they may be driven out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed." So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the diviner’s fees in their hand, and they came to Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak. And he said to them, “Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you as the Lord speaks to me.” Then the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam. And God came to Balaam and said, “Who are these men with you?” So Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent them to me, saying, ‘Look, a people comes from Egypt, and they cover the face of the earth. Come now, curse them for me; perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out.’” And God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”

In Numbers 22, Balaam, a prophet, received a clear instruction from God: "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed." However, Balaam insisted, asking God again if he could go. This persistence displeased God.

Balaam's actions demonstrate a crucial lesson: God's will is not subject to our desires or persistence. He will not make an illegal or sinful path legal simply because we enjoy taking it. Obedience requires surrendering our will to His.

Balaam's mistake was not just disobedience but also a reflection of his heart. He prioritized his own interests and desires over God's clear instruction. This narrative teaches us:

God's Word is not open to negotiation or reinterpretation.

Our persistence cannot change God's mind or will.

Obedience requires surrendering our desires to God's plans.

As we reflect on Balaam's experience, may we examine our own relationship with God. Do we prioritize our desires over His will? Do we try to justify or rationalize our actions against God's clear instructions?.

Prayer:

Dear God, forgive us for prioritizing our desires over Your will. Teach us to obey Your Word, even when it contradicts our plans. May our hearts surrender to Your sovereignty, trusting Your ways are perfect. Amen.

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