MAY 25, 2023
Topic: GREED IS A HINDERANCE TO INTIMACY WITH GOD
Text: Num. 22: 12 – 32
Memory Verse: “And Balaam said to the Angel of the Lord, I have sinned, for I did not know you stood in the way against me. Now therefore, if it displeases you, I will turn back.” Num. 22:34
Today we look again at a hindrance to building intimacy with God as shown in the life of Balaam the prophet.
Balaam was a unique prophet, whatever he pronounced came to pass. He saw visions with his eyes open and he followed the Lord diligently.
It came to pass that Balak the King of Moab offered money and riches to Balaam to curse Israel for him, but the Lord told Balaam not to follow them. However, Balak offered more riches and sent more honorable men to Balaam. Balaam told them that he would go back to ask the Lord.
The Lord was angry because it was greed that made Balaam come back to the Lord after he was told not to go with Balak’s men.
On the way, the angel of the Lord tried to kill Balaam the prophet but it was Balaam’s donkey that saw the angel not Balaam. His greed and selfishness had broken his intimacy with the Lord. The one who once saw visions with open eyes, now couldn’t see what a mere donkey saw.
The Bible records that the donkey saved Balaam thrice from the angel of the Lord and that God finally opened his eyes and he then saw the angel who told him he would have killed him if not for his donkey.
Greed and selfishness blind the eyes of a believer to the will and purpose of God for him. As we yield our will and desires to those of the Lord, we grow more intimate with Him.
Prayer:
O Lord, I submit my will to yours in everything, may you find pleasure in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen