The story of Balaam the prophet and his donkey who talked, is a good lesson on just how God sends people to speak for Him. It doesn't make the prophet out to be so very special as we might think of the prophets of God, but actually shows him getting reprimanded to emphasize the limit of what he is to speak. But there's more:
Like I said--it's a great story and lesson! But if it was just a lesson or revelation for Balaam...God may not have included it in His eternal Word; and if by the Spirit it was included, there is also a lesson for us, of which "the words are spirit." In other words, "He who has an ear, let him hear." And we should know that this is how this stuff works--how God works to reveal what is otherwise unseen.
The distinction here, is that one sent can be no more than a donkey--however, no less either. We know that God has spoken through the prophets, teachers, children, learned men, women, kings, and yes, even through a donkey.
But God also made mules possible...which uniquely do not reproduce in kind, as if having no seed in them, and no ability to bear fruit. Are you beginning to see the distinction between a donkey and a mule? Both exist, and although there are some similarities--which are interesting to note: are larger, stronger, and more stable--mules lack the ability to bear fruit, one of the great spiritual metaphors and lessons given in scripture. Not bad fruit--which would be easily identifiable--but no fruit, and not so easy to identify. They do good works, are bigger, stronger, and well behaved. Sound familiar? It should...that is if you have ever experienced a popular but ungodly preacher, pastor, etc.
See the difference? God did that, and made sure it is all written.
The point is-- Many seem to have the wrong idea of how God actually works...as if it were based on personal merit, according to how people would look at things. But He doesn't. A good example is "King David", who wasn't even considered qualified to stand among his brothers to be appointed King, and thus left in the fields tending the sheep.. Another good lesson. But the point is--the alternative, if we are not paying attention--is quite sterile--godless.
don·key
noun: donkey; plural noun: donkeys
1. a domesticated hoofed mammal of the horse family with long ears and a braying call, used as a beast of burden; an ass.
mule
noun: mule; plural noun: mules; noun: spinning mule; plural noun: spinning mules
1. the offspring of a donkey and a horse (strictly, a male donkey and a female horse), typically sterile and used as a beast of burden.
- a person compared to a mule, especially in being stubborn or obstinate.
- informal a courier for illegal drugs.
2. a hybrid plant or animal, especially a sterile one.
Like I said--it's a great story and lesson! But if it was just a lesson or revelation for Balaam...God may not have included it in His eternal Word; and if by the Spirit it was included, there is also a lesson for us, of which "the words are spirit." In other words, "He who has an ear, let him hear." And we should know that this is how this stuff works--how God works to reveal what is otherwise unseen.
The distinction here, is that one sent can be no more than a donkey--however, no less either. We know that God has spoken through the prophets, teachers, children, learned men, women, kings, and yes, even through a donkey.
But God also made mules possible...which uniquely do not reproduce in kind, as if having no seed in them, and no ability to bear fruit. Are you beginning to see the distinction between a donkey and a mule? Both exist, and although there are some similarities--which are interesting to note: are larger, stronger, and more stable--mules lack the ability to bear fruit, one of the great spiritual metaphors and lessons given in scripture. Not bad fruit--which would be easily identifiable--but no fruit, and not so easy to identify. They do good works, are bigger, stronger, and well behaved. Sound familiar? It should...that is if you have ever experienced a popular but ungodly preacher, pastor, etc.
See the difference? God did that, and made sure it is all written.
The point is-- Many seem to have the wrong idea of how God actually works...as if it were based on personal merit, according to how people would look at things. But He doesn't. A good example is "King David", who wasn't even considered qualified to stand among his brothers to be appointed King, and thus left in the fields tending the sheep.. Another good lesson. But the point is--the alternative, if we are not paying attention--is quite sterile--godless.
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