This fascinating chapter is the first of three containing the account of Balaam, a servant of God. Balaam is hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse Israel, so Moab could hopefully overcome them in battle (for Israel was greater than Moab). There are so many aspects to this account we can’t discuss them all, but we’ll try to touch on a couple.
“So Balaam rose in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab. But God’s anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as his adversary. Now he was riding on the donkey, and his two servants were with him. And the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road, with a drawn sword in his hand. And the donkey turned aside out of the road and went into the field. And Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the road. Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?’ And Balaam said to the donkey, ‘Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you.’ And the donkey said to Balaam, ‘Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Is it my habit to treat you this way?’ And he said, ‘No.’ ” (v21-23,28-30)
First of all, the scripture does not elaborate on Balaam’s reaction, but I would be taken aback if my donkey started talking to me – yet Balaam seems to simply respond to his talking donkey. Sure, that’s normal.
We’ve previously talked about how “the angel of the Lord” refers to the preincarnate form of Jesus (going all the way back into Gen 16). Here He is blocking the donkey’s path, and the donkey sees Him (Balaam’s can’t at the moment) and tries to turn away to protect his master.
In a way, I think it’s actually Jesus who speaks through the donkey. Rereading the donkey’s words a few times, this sounds like something Jesus would ask – “What have I done to you, that I have deserved your wrath? Have I not been your servant your entire life? Would I ever mistreat you? Would I ever turn against you? Why are you beating and threatening to kill me, even though I did nothing wrong? I’m just trying to keep you from harm.”
People of this world (in the flesh) have always mistreated Jesus, persecuted Him, beat Him, and whipped Him (and let’s not forget we crucified Him too). Yet, He still loves and serves us, and like the angel of the Lord who spares Balaam’s life, He spares our lives by giving His in return. We clearly do not deserve the grace and mercy Christ exhibits on our behalf.
My takeaway today are those questions the donkey asked – are we disrespecting a person or Jesus Himself, even though they don’t deserve it? (Remember, by disrespecting or mistreating a person, we are mistreating God because all people are made in the likeness of God.) I am reminded that I need to honor, love and respect everyone, especially my neighbors (even if they’re a “stubborn mule”) because Jesus sets the example and loves them for who they are. Let’s listen for the voice of Jesus, especially when it comes from the most unlikely of places.
Jesus, we are sorry for the persecution and wrongs we have committed against You. Like Balaam, please forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Thank you for making that possible through Your love sacrifice on the cross. We wish to honor, love and respect you, especially as you work in and through Your people. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training