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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “From the Donkey’s mouth.” We shall reflect on the fact that God can expose our folly through any means He desires. Balaam’s folly was exposed through his donkey’s mouth when he failed to perceive and follow the Lord’s will.

Beloved in the Lord, God is able to teach us through any means to expose our folly. Balaam, who was a non-Jewish prophet and seer, failed to discern God’s will when He was invited to curse the people of Israel by King Balak of Moab. His intention to curse Israel for a reward was tested by God, and he failed, “…God’s anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as his adversary.” (Number 22:22). Fortunately for Balaam, the Lord opened the eyes of his donkey. Therefore, it refused to approach the Angel, who was holding a sword, ready to strike Balaam. Balaam failed to discern the resistance of the donkey and struck him three times. “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.” (Numbers 22:28-30) From the mouth of the donkey came a revelation and words of wisdom that exposed the folly of Balaam. The donkey was more discerning and wise than its owner. In other words, Balaam failed to discern God’s will thus to refrain from following the enemies of Israel to curse them but his donkey knew that it was not God’s will for Balaam to embark on that journey upon seeing the Angel. It must have been a very embarrassing and humiliating scene for Balaam’s folly to be exposed by a donkey! Beloved in the Lord, our folly and true intentions may be exposed in a humiliating and shameful manner if we continuously refuse to listen or obey the Will of God. We are greatly admonished and guided in Proverbs 19:21 that “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” We must therefore seek for the Lord’s purpose or will to prevail in our lives.

After Balaam’s failure to understand what had transpired between the Angel and his donkey, “… the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face. And the angel of the LORD said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me. The donkey saw me and turned aside before me these three times. If she had not turned aside from me, surely just now, I would have killed you and let her live.” Then Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you stood in the road against me. Now, therefore, if it is evil in your sight, I will turn back.” And the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only the word that I tell you.” So Balaam went on with the princes of Balak.” Beloved in the Lord, let us always incline our hearts to the Word of God to avert unpleasant and shameful encounters with Him.

In summary, we have reflected on the theme, “From the Donkey’s mouth.” We have discovered that God is able to expose our folly through any means He desires. For instance, from the donkey’s mouth, Balaam’s folly was exposed when he failed to listen to the Lord. Let us be discerning and always yearn to do His will.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, grant me a discerning and obedient heart. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Amen. (Psalm 19:14)