In our reflections today, we focus on the implications of prophecy on the prophet. Might we find it applicable for our own lives as we consider Today’s Holy Nougat
Numbers 24:17 NIV
[17] “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth.
Jacob’s Star, Israel’s Scepter 3
There were at least 32 generations between Balaam’s prophecy and Y’shua’s birth. A lot could and did happen in that time. A few significant milestones include:
Israel established as a nation,
Israel became a monarchy
David’s enthronement
Good assures David of hereditary monarchy
The division of the kingdom
The Israelites face Exile
Pax Romana
These didn’t all directly impact Y’shua’s birth, but they influenced the events surrounding the details of His birth. Balaam wouldn’t have known any of these. Hence, his reference to historic persons went as far back as Jacob. The latter prophecies could be seen as building on what was revealed to Balaam.
Point to Ponder
What historic milestones in our family trees have influenced us?
Digging Deeper
Balaam was a Gentile seer. He was a mercenary. And though he claimed to worship YHWH, his actions spoke differently. He was the *Guy Least Likely* (to hear directly from YHWH).
Nevertheless, Balaam’s prophecy was honoured by God. This suggests that God will honour the work of our hands, more so, that which God has planned for our lives.
I urge us – when it seems like God’s promises aren’t being fulfilled in our lives: wait on God’s timing and check our hearing.
We also note that when he spoke, Balaam confidently shared the prophecy as he received it. He was a Gentile, hired to curse the Jews. But *he yielded to God’s will*, and God used him mightily. When we know we’re acting on God’s behalf, fear doesn’t need to be our portion. Let us seek to be as confident when God calls on us to minister to others.
We will recall that Balaam is more famous for his speaking donkey than his Messianic prophecy. I mention the donkey to note that God isn’t bound by human conventions. God can work with any vessel. On Jesus’ journey to the cross, His detractors noted that the disciples needed to be quiet. Luke 19 tells us that Y’shua responded with an explanation that the rocks would glorify Him if the people were silent. Whether it is a Gentile seer, a talking donkey, or the very rocks beneath our feet … let us avoid others ministering on our behalf because we missed the assignment.
So siblings, we not only see the literal aspects of Balaam’s prophecy; we have also noted the implications for our ministry today. The prophecies surrounding Jesus’ birth all carry import for us. In Balaam’s prophecy we discover that:
It points to Jesus’ life, ministry and character; reassuring us that God’s word is sure.
It is a guarantee that our faith is justified, for God will work with and through God’s period
It assures us in times of trouble, that God can use our enemies to bless us, literally
It corroborates other prophesies about the second Advent, inviting us to prepare for that moment
It reminds us that God will partner with humans to fulfill God’s purpose
The question is, will we receive God’s prophetic words over our lives today?
Point to Ponder
How has Balaam’s prophecy inspired us to live more intentionally for Jesus?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
