Removing the Blinders

Balak was a king of ancient Moab. He was terrified of the Israelite nation as they made their way to the Land of Canaan after deliverance from slavery in Egypt. So, he sent for a prophet named Balaam to curse the Israelites. With wisdom Balaam consulted God. 

(Read about it in Numbers 22-24.)

God refused to allow Balaam to curse the Israelites so Balaam sent word back to King Balak to that effect. Not satisfied with his response, King Balak offered great wealth to Balaam if he would curse the Israelites. Balaam told the king’s messengers that he had already received an answer from God, but if they would stay overnight he would consult God once again. This time God told Balaam to go to King Balak! But He told him to do only what he was instructed. Balaam joyfully left with the king’s messengers. Then, God became angry with Balaam.

It might seem odd that God would first refuse to allow Balaam to go, then give Balaam permission to go, and then become angry when Balaam went. 

This oddity is answered in the text...

As Balaam was on his way to King Balak an angel of God, with sword drawn, blocked the road. Three times Balaam’s donkey turned away, and three times Balaam became angry at the donkey’s stubbornness. Finally, God opened the mouth of the donkey and a brief conversation followed between man and beast! Only then were Balaam’s eyes opened. Only then did he see the angel and realize that he was in the wrong. The angel then repeated God’s message to Balaam: Go to King Balak, but do only what God tells you to do.

The fact that God repeated this part of His instruction suggests that Balaam’s motives were impure. It appears that Balaam was more excited about the permission to go than the instruction to do only what God told him. God appears to have been angry with Balaam for only half-listening to what He had said.

Parents have to deal with this kind of thing. Their teen asks permission to attend a party with friends. Initially the parents refuse, but later, after repeated pleading on the part of the teen, give in. As soon as permission is granted the teen bolts to the phone to tell her friends the good news. The parents then regret having given permission.

They gave permission to attend the party, but not permission to engage in questionable activities. They realize that their teen had only half-listened, hearing the permission to go but giving little thought further instruction. At that point the parents recognize the need for a serious conversation with their teen regarding her moral behavior, responsibility, respect, good character, and curfew.

Balaam undoubtedly found God’s permission very gratifying. However, the promise of wealth became a distraction. His desire to satisfy himself had blinded him to God’s own desire for His people. God had to ‘remove the blinders’ from Balaam so that he could see the will of God.

The distractions of this life and all its thrills may blind Christians to the will of God. Wealth, entertainment and success in our own little corner of the world are tantalizing offers. These things, and even Christian liberties can become blinders of selfishness, pride, and stubbornness that are sure to mask the will of God. Only when these blinders are removed will we see clearly so that we can carry out the will of God in our lives.

Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

—Romans 12:1-2

Mark Stinnett

June 30, 2024