Numbers 22-24 records a fascinating interlude between Israel's wanderings and her occupancy of the plains of Moab prior to invading Canaan. Read all three chapters to appreciate God's sovereignty over human fear, desperation, greed and immorality. Don't fail to read Chapter 25 to discover how satan's defeat by God can turn into a success against God's people when they fail their calling. A warning to Christians today.
The essence of the three chapters involves a future privilege seen without being a personal participant. God gave the heathen Balaam, renowned in his time as an expert in the satantic acts of sorcery and divination, amazing insights into Israel's future. He didn't allow Balaam the pleasure of participating in it. Balaam's the model mortal who sees God's truth, knows that truth, even admits that truth, but never appropriates that truth. Many like Balaam exist today. They "stand amazed in the Presence of Jesus the Nazarene", but do not wonder "how he could love them, sinners, condemned, unclean." They do not by faith in his sacrifice, and by experiencing his resurrection, EVER personalize his Presence. God's offer remains a challenge to every person: don't let your sins keep you a veiled bystander of God's Glory in Christ II Corinthians 4:6. Turn to the Lord so "the veil is taken away," II Corinthians 3:16, so all penitents can be transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory" II Corinthians 3:18. No limit exists to the ways we can be in AWE of Almighty God in Christ. But only one way exists for us to participate in his Glory: offer repentant faith in the Lord's Gift of forgiveness of sin. Why would we live with our guilt when Christ's perfect sacrifice assumed ALL guilt, of ALL penitents, in ALL generations?
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