Our Value to God = PRICELESS!

Our Value to God = PRICELESS!
"Allow God to place His own values." - A.W. Tozer

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Lessons from Numbers 22

Tonight I was reading Numbers and I found so much to take from the reading. Consequently, I thought it would be a great idea to use one of the lessons I learned for today’s devotional.

The passage starts off with the people of Israel (God’s chosen people) settling in the plains of Moab. Balak, son of Zippor, the Moabite king, knew that the Israelites had conquered the land of the Amorites, so he was terrified that this would also happen to his land. He then sent his men to bring Balaam, son of Beor, to help them out. Balaam was known for his curses and blessings since he obeyed God and allowed the Lord to work through him. Balak’s men bribed Balaam multiple times to come back with them and curse the Israelites. Every time Balaam told them that he would only do as the Lord told him, no matter the offer.

After the third bribe, the Lord instructed Balaam to go with them but to only do what He told him to do. So Balaam saddled his donkey and went with the Moabites. But because Balaam had the wrong intentions (we learn later in Numbers that he was only going with the Moabites for the rewards), the Lord was furious and sent the angel of the Lord to block his way. Because Balaam was blinded by his own interests for the rewards involved, he could not see the angel of the Lord. However, his donkey saw the angel of the Lord so he did all he could do turn away. As a result of the donkey’s disobedience to Balaam, Balaam struck the donkey three times.

The Lord then allowed the donkey to speak. The donkey cried out, “What have I done to you that deserves your beating me these three times?”

This question made me think of our relationship with God. So often we disrespect Him by turning away from Him and following our own paths. Our disobedience is like a “slap in the face” to the Lord. It is as though we are walking away from a loved one during a rough patch in the relationship.

I know it’s a simple lesson but I’d really like to encourage us to ask ourselves what God has done to deserve our disrespect and disobedience. When answering this, think of the other devotionals you have read on His love for us, the grace He offers, and the mercies that our new every day! And, most importantly, think of all God has done for you! I’m sure the list could go on…

May you have a wonderful day in the Lord and cherish the relationship He has offered!

Wishing you all the best,
Shannon

I couldn’t find this song on YouTube so once you click on the link you just go down to #8 – Embracing the Call and press the play button to the left of #8. Let me know if that doesn’t work!

“Embracing The Call” by The Glorious Unseen
http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music.artistalbums&artistid=10218916&ap=0&albumid=9523537
“We expect the best and nothing less from You, but will we embrace the suffering too as part of Your plan for us, O Lord?”

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