What Must You Do?

“Did I not tell you, saying, ‘All that the Lord speaks, that I must do’?” Numbers 23:26

Balaam, the prophet of God, was hired by Balak to come and curse the children of Israel. In his defense, Balaam warned Balak that he could not curse the people. Apparently Balak was what we would call a “slow learner.” Balaam, on his first two prophecies, blessed the Israelites. Not content to admit defeat and cut his losses, Balak asked him to move to yet another spot and try again.

It was at this point that Balaam reminded him, “Did I not tell you, saying, ‘All that the Lord speaks, that I must do’?”

It is easy to see in the political realm the tendency of people to do the wrong thing for the perceived right reason. Voting to please constituencies, rather than on principles. Supporting an issue or person for private gain. Remaining silent when you should speak up in defense of a principle or person for fear of reprisals.

But those actions are not reserved for the political arena. They happen every day in every environment. The best way to avoid doing the wrong thing is to keep Balaam’s rule in mind.

Two questions:

1. Would you say you are a Balaam who believes that ‘All that the Lord speaks, that I must do’?
2. Would the Balak’s in your say it about you?

Lord, help me to hear You speak and do all that you say. Amen