Talking With A Donkey

 Neil Armstrong is remembered as the first man to walk on the moon. George Washington is remembered as our first president, the Father of our country. Pong was the first video game to grab worldwide attention.

Believe it or not, Balaam is remembered as the first man to talk with a donkey. How would you feel if your final memorial was a picture of you talking with a donkey?

Balaam was an Old Testament Bible prophet. Not just any prophet but one for hire. His business card may have read, “Have Prophecy, Will Travel”. Perhaps you are getting the idea that Balaam was not one of God’s devoted prophets? Correct!

Balaam had been contacted by the Moabite King Balak, in order to place a curse on the Israelite nation as they traveled from Egypt to their Promised land. Balak was ready to pay any amount of gold or silver if Balaam would say a curse and get rid of the Israelites, who were a pain in his side.

“Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and started off with the Moabite officials. But God was angry that Balaam was going, so he sent the angel of the Lord to stand in the road to block his way…when the donkey saw the angel, it lay down under Balaam. In a fit of rage Balaam beat the animal again with his staff…Then the Lord gave the donkey the ability to speak…You have made me look like a fool!” Balaam shouted. “If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!” Numbers 22:21-29

Three times, Balaam’s donkey moved away from The Angel and saved Balaam’s life. Each time, Balaam beat the donkey. Finally, the donkey stopped and lay down in the road. Not only did Balaam beat the donkey but he answered the donkey when God gave speech to the donkey!

Let’s stop and think about this. Balaam rides the donkey, beats the donkey and finally talks with the donkey. Uh….Balaam, you’re talking with a donkey.

Anger can cause us to do strange and unusual things, but talking with a donkey?

Actually, anger is not the sin. Jesus was angry when He overturned the tables of the money changers and businessmen in the temple. Check out Matthew 21:12-13.

Anger can cause us to sin, that is to do something that would hurt God or cause God’s Name to be exploited, debased or desecrated.

“In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27

Everyone has moments of anger. When was the last time you were angry? Did it involve a donkey? Perhaps your family was the target of your anger.

Psychology Today has posted an online Anger Management Test. Check this out: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/tests/personality/anger-management-test

Balaam was an interesting character and actually anger was not the issue in this passage. His issue was that he was talking with the wrong person! Instead of talking with a donkey, his voice should have been directed to The Living God!

Who are you talking with? Hopefully it is not a donkey!

Ken

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