I Wish I Were An Ass

Yeah…I thought that might get your attention.

Ok, boys and girls. Everyone sit down on the floor, get comfortable, and Uncle Greg is going to tell you all a little story.

In the 22nd chapter of Numbers there’s a great accounting of a very unusual nature (which, by the way, the Bible is rife with…for those of you that may think the Bible is “boring”). Balaam was a non-Jewish “seer” (it’s debatable whether he was a true prophet) with a strong reputation within the region for being able to provide curses or blessings on God’s behalf.

The current king of Moab, Balak, saw this enormous group of Israelites approaching closer and closer—who’s exodus from Egypt was well known—and became afraid of his land being invaded by them. He called upon Balaam to put a curse on them so that they could be held back and defeated. Balak sent his emissaries to fetch Balaam and pay him handsomely for his services. Balaam told them to spend the night and he would “speak” to God about it. God told him, “Don’t do it…I’ve blessed these people.” Balaam relayed the message to the princes and sent them on their way. Balak, not taking “no” as an answer, sent even higher ranking princes to convince him and, again, Balaam said he’d have to confer with God. This time God said, “Go ahead, but only tell them exactly what I tell you to say.”

Balaam set off for his journey but the very fact that he didn’t take God’s answer to heart the first time really ticked God off. God sent an angel to confront Balaam but only the donkey he was riding saw the angel. The donkey--seeing the angel had a sword in his hand--turned off the path. Balaam, not knowing what was going on, beat the donkey into submission to journey on. This happened two more times and each time Balaam beat the tar out of his loyal companion.

This is where it gets weird…the donkey then spoke to Balaam and said, “Hey! What have I done to you to deserve a beating?” Balaam (who, apparently, didn’t flinch at the fact a voice was coming out of his donkey) responded, “Because you made me look foolish!” Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam so that he too could see the angel with the sword. The angel asked the same the thing the donkey asked, “Why have you beaten your donkey three times? I’ve come to oppose you because your path is a reckless one.”

With all my heart I wish to be the loyal companion that is able to see God and what He wants…just like that trustworthy donkey of Balaam’s. To be going down the wrong path and not able to see the stop signs God is giving you…this is a valid fear and concern. It truly inspires me to keep that close connection, even when it may feel a bit distant.

So what happens in the rest of this very cool story….what happens to Balaam, and Balak, the land of Moab, and all the Israelites? Hey, I’m not going to recite the whole Bible to you. You need to go read it for yourself….you know, during your Bible reading times (you are having those, aren’t you??)

Perhaps I am a bit of a tease, and even perhaps what the title of this commentary implies. But, truly, we all need to have eyes that see and ears that hear when we approach our Lord and Savior. Pray earnestly for this and I guarantee you will be more fulfilled.

Blessings!

Greg Morton
© November 23, 2009