#DailyDevotion Even An Ass Is Right About Something Sometimes Repent!

Tuesday

Read Num 22:21—23:3

Num 22:22  But God’s anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as his adversary. Now he was riding on the donkey, and his two servants were with him…32  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…35  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 prince of Balak.

 

Now you may be thinking, “Wait a moment. Why was God mad at Balaam for leaving when the Lord had just told him to go with the men?” Well the key to that is in verse 32. What? You wanted to talk about a talking donkey? Well that’s just simple. The Lord gave him speech just like he gives to us the gift of speech. Now back to verse 32. The Lord opposed Balaam on the way because Balaam’s way was perverse before the Lord. What does this mean?

 

The Lord knows what is on the heart of every man. He knows it better than men themselves. We can deceive ourselves and justify our actions in our own hearts and minds. Now the Lord knows that Balaam’s intentions is not to do what is good and right before him. The Lord presses Balaam to remember his command. He is only to speak the word the Lord tells him to speak. Because of his office, prophet, the Lord will make sure Balaam only does that. But we will see that because of the perverseness of Balaam’s heart, he will find a way around it and will be destroyed because of it.

 

Now perhaps the Lord has been preventing you from carrying out some wickedness that is your heart. Perhaps you are seeking revenge. Maybe there is a lust in your heart that you wish to carry out. The Lord blocks your way from carrying it out, being patient with you. He knows what will happen to your soul if you carry it out. Yet you continue in your purpose anyway.  You go from a weakness of your flesh to full out and out rebellion against your God. Where does that leave you but in mortal sin bereft of the grace of God in Christ Jesus?

 

Now what? If you can recognize this repent! Don’t think about it. Don’t ponder it. You can do that later. But confess your sin to the Lord and do it now. Admit your iniquity and your fault. The Lord is faithful. Jesus is you advocate before the Father. He will plead his blood to the Father and present your case so that you will be forgiven and a new spirit he will give you so you may not perish like those who harden themselves against the will of God. Do not let Satan tell you, “Well you have gone too far this time. There’s no way he’ll take you back now.” He is seeking to destroy you. Only Jesus by the Spirit of truth can give life to your soul and it is his desire to save you. Forgiveness and mercy is the purpose for which Jesus came. Now make use of it, not to sin, but to possess eternal life.

 

Heavenly Father, ever grant us repentance unto life, that we may turn from our wicked thoughts and trust in your mercy and grace in Jesus so we may possess your life and live it out in our lives daily. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.