5 Smooth Stones

Chapter Twenty-Three

BALAAM—BEWARE OF THE GLORY, THE GOLD AND GIRLS

I n Balaam we have another example of a ministry going awry because the minister rushed things, but in this case the rush was not so much due to immaturity as it was the iniquity or idols of the heart. Balaam was a powerful prophet of Jehovah. He is never called a false prophet, but he ended up functioning as a false teacher, teaching things which led the children of Israel astray. He is considered by many scholars to be a prophet that was not of the children of Israel. By others he is considered a descendant of Abraham but choosing not to dwell with the Israelites. When King Balak spoke to Balaam about his in fl uence with God he seemed to be indicating that Balaam was under the blessings to Abraham: Numbers 22:6 “Therefore please come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed." This is uncannily similar to the promise given to Abram by God, Gen 27:29b “Cursed be everyone who curses you, And blessed be those who bless you!" This may be an indication that Balak felt that Balaam had a particular relationship to Israel which he intended to use against Israel for his own bene fi t. In any case it is worth noting that those who are within the “fold” are not always working for the good of the fl ock. Jesus warned about this: Ma tt hew 10:16-17b "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware ...” The Complete Jewish Bible puts it this way, Ma tt hew 10:16, 17a “Pay a tt ention! I am sending you out like sheep among wolves, so be as prudent as snakes and as harmless as doves. Be on guard...” As we have seen previously, Paul likewise warned to be watchful of ministers rising up from among the brethren who could lead the well-meaning people of God astray. Acts 20:28 “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the fl ock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not

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