Friday, March 11

Greed and obedience

Scripture: Numbers 21-22, Matthew 11

Numbers 22:12–13 Then God said to Balaam, “You are not to go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.” 13 So Balaam got up the next morning and said to Balak’s officials, “Go back to your land, because the Lord has refused to let me go with you.”

Numbers 22:20–22 God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.” 21 When he got up in the morning, Balaam saddled his donkey and went with the officials of Moab. 22 But God was incensed that Balaam was going, and the angel of the Lord took his stand on the path to oppose him.

Observation

In one of the funniest stories in the Bible, God opposes Balaam on his way to curse Israel and speaks through his donkey.  But it seems that God changes his mind twice—forbidding Balaam to go, then allowing him, then being angry when he goes.  What gives?

It is possible that God’s first word was clear and to be understood as final and irrevocable.  It was wrong for Balaam to come ask a second time; it indicated a problem in Balaam’s heart, a greedy desire that questioned God’s clear instruction.  Thus, God’s “permission” was a test that Balaam failed.

It’s possible that the change is not in God but Balaam.  He was firm after God’s first instruction, but wavered when more important men offered him greater reward.  

It’s possible that Balaam, motivated by greed, hoped God would change His mind and curse Israel, resulting in a large reward for Balaam.  So he went, knowing that God had clearly said no.

Even though God didn’t allow Balaam to curse Israel (Num 23-24), Balaam did advise Balak how to entice Israel to sin (see Revelation 2:14).  So Balaam got his payday, and later paid for it with his life (Numbers 31:8).  

Application

A couple applications:

First, don’t let greed seduce you and keep you from obeying God.  Years ago, I disobeyed the clear teaching of Scripture and the advice of my wife, my pastor and my banker, and borrowed money to loan to some friends for a business venture.  I was motivated by greed: they promised (like Balak’s emissaries) a big payout.  The money was quickly lost, and I was left holding the bag and paying it back.  I learned a hard lesson.  Never let greed keep you from obeying God.  It’s always better to lose the money and obey God. 

Another example of this is the story of King Amaziah hiring mercenaries to fight for him.  God tells him to send the mercenaries home, that God will fight for him. 

2 Chronicles 25:9 Then Amaziah said to the man of God, “What should I do about the 7,500 pounds of silver I gave to Israel’s division?” The man of God replied, “The Lord is able to give you much more than this.”

Don’t worry about losing the money.  God can more than make up for that.  The important thing is to obey. 

Second, when God gives a clear word, stay the course, and don’t look for an out.  Balaam, motivated by greed, went back to God a second time, hoping for an out when he had clear instructions.  It resulted in disaster.  When God speaks, obey.  Don’t keep going back hoping for a free pass.  Just obey.

Prayer: Lord, keep me free from greed.  Help me to live with open hands and a clean heart.  Remind me that you can “give me much more than this.”  And help me always obey your word without question or hedging.