Bibledoorajar: The Donkey Who Would 't Take the Reckless Path

     Balaam had decided to saddle his donkey, summon his two servants, and join the more numerous and distinguished representatives of Balak for the return to him. The Word says that he was setting out on a reckless path. He urged his donkey forward onto the road. The donkey abruptly stopped on the way and went off the road. Balaam hit the donkey to get him to return to the road. They came to a narrow place in a vineyard with walls on each side. The donkey shied and got so close to the side that Balaam's foot was crushed against the wall. Although the animal had never behaved in such a manner in the past, Balaam hit him again determined to control him. As they went forward the road became so narrow that the donkey could not turn so he laid down in the road.  Balaam was so frustrated and upset and God allowed the donkey to speak. He simply asked Balaam what he had done to justify being beaten three times. Now here is the question. If you knew God had spoken a truth to you about what you should do and your donkey started talking to you would that get your attention? Well, a donkey talking did not get the attention of Balaam. He continued to have a conversation with the donkey berating the animal severely. How he thought that donkey could talk without God miraculously being involved is mind boggling. Finally God opened Balaam's eyes and he saw the angel of the Lord standing with his sword drawn. RECKLESS PATH, BALAAM!!!! EVEN THE DONKEY KNOWS IT!!! God is not in this!
     Yesterday's sermon in part spoke of keeping the eternal in mind as we carry out our everyday efforts. If the everyday effort is right, then it is God's will to be pursued in faith and is a safe path toward eternity. If it is not right (truth), then eternity calls for us to leave that reckless path for God is not in it. It is as if an angel with drawn sword is standing in our way. This gift of God saves us from all manner of frustration if heeded.

"High King of Heaven, my victory won

May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun

Heart of my own heart, whate’er befall

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all"

Be Thou My Vision by Ian Lind