A Time of Transition

Hello all.  This post was suppose to post on 02/14/11 but it didn't so you'll have two slightly close together.
In these chapters we can get a little bogged down reading about the census taking again and Moses review of the Israelites exodus from Egypt.  But there are also little nuggets that stand out as some of the most thought provoking things God has ever done.  There is the account of Balaam and Balak.  The Israelite's transition into a fighting nation.  The death of Miriam and Aaron.   Eleazar fulfilling the role his father, Aaron, vacated.  Phinehas' stand against sin.  The investure of Joshua as Moses' replacement.  A lot is happening in these chapters.

Balaam stands out to me as one of the most interesting accounts in the last 5 days. God uses a spiritualist to proclaim his blessings over the Israelite people on three separate occasions.  At one point, Balaam even states in Numbers 22:18 "the Lord MY God".   Was Balaam arrogant enough to believe that just because God spoke to him that he and God were in a convenant relationship?  No matter how hard King Balak wants Balaam to curse the Israelite people, God fills Balaam's mouth with blessings and even has him prophecy about the Messiah in Numbers 24: 10-13.  Why God used Balaam this way is not entirely clear to me other than God uses who and what he wants when he wants.... Afterall, he is God.  : )  God even used Balaam's donkey to speak to Balaam. 

So here is Balaam son of Beor, who must see himself now as a mouthpiece of God.  His perception of his relationship with God is so clouded that he helps devise a plan to circumvent God's blessings by having the Midianite women seduce the Israelite men not just in sexual immorality but it spiritual immorality with their idol.   Balaam knew this would bring judgement on the Israelite's.  Did Balaam think that God would not hold him accountable for his part in leading God's people into sin.  What was Balaam thinking?   Maybe he thought that saying what God wanted him to say was enough but that he didn't have to back it up with his actions.   Maybe he was thinking that there was still a way for him to get all that money that Balak offered.  How arrogant!!  Balaam didn't have long to enjoy his new found status or wealth since in Numbers 37, Balaam, son of Beor, is killed with the sword along with every Midianite man, boy and non-virgin woman.    God wants more than lip service from anyone claiming to be in a relationship with him.  That's something I think we all should keep in mind.

Bon apetit.....