Prophets of Doom and the Promises of God (Numbers 23:19)
- Simon Mawhinney
- 9 minutes ago
- 3 min read
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? —Numbers 23:19
Have you ever agreed to do something, go somewhere, or buy something, and then received a much better offer? To my shame, I can recall a time in my youth when I was invited to someone’s house and I joyfully agreed to go. Nearly as soon as the agreement had been made, I received another call with a different invite, this time to a soccer game with another friend. There was no question in my mind what I preferred—my heart was drawn to the soccer game instantly, and my mind started to rehearse ways that I could gently ditch my first offer.
We can easily be fickle and unfaithful to the things we have said. Aren’t we so thankful that God is not like us? That’s the point of this week’s Fighter Verse.
Picture the scene: the people of Israel are spread across the plains of Moab and the locals are terrified. They’ve heard of what the Lord has done to Israel’s enemies up until this point and they need help. So Balak recruits the curious character, Balaam. His job is pretty simple—curse the people and get paid handsomely.
But there’s a problem: the curses that Balak expects continually turn out to be blessings that God has promised (see Deuteronomy 23:5). Balaam may have been for sale and displayed a willingness to go along with the evil of Balak, but God cannot be bought. He will not be moved from what He has promised! The Lord had a purpose for Israel and covenanted with them. God had promised blessing and no amount of opposition could reverse that.
Our lives are filled with “Balaks” and “Balaams.” Our health deteriorates, our bank accounts run dry, our relationships break down, our dreams are dashed. Like Balak enlisting the services of Balaam, troubles can seem to pronounce disaster, spread hopelessness, or bring curses. Our minds and hearts race with such fears and often believe them—prophets of doom that seek to reverse the “precious and very great promises” (2 Peter 1:4) that God has given to those who are His.
But they are engaged in an impossible task. For those who are in Christ Jesus, the Lord has already spoken and He will not change His mind. He has promised and He will do as He has said. If we will listen to His Word, then the “Balaks” will be seen for what they truly are, gifts of grace that push us further into the goodness of God. Those things that initially threaten us with curses become our servants and the means by which God blesses us. Troubles and threats may persist, but the voice that governs them is steadfast and He will fulfill what He promises to us for good.
He has not beheld misfortune in Jacob, nor has he seen trouble in Israel. The Lord their God is with them, and the shout of a king is among them. (Numbers 23:21) Do you hear the shout of that King today? “It is finished” (John 19:30). No one can now pronounce a curse on those who are in Christ Jesus!
Reflection
What are the “Balaks” and “Balaams” in your life just now? What are the things that feel like curses? List them out and face them head on.
What has the Lord said that shatters these curses? Be specific. How does Numbers 23:19 give you hope and confidence to rest in His promises?
Remember, now we know the identity of The King. He is the fullest expression of God who will never go back on His Word!
Simon Mawhinney is a native of Northern Ireland. He pastored there for five years before moving his family to Louisville, KY, to study at Southern Seminary. He now serves as the Associate Pastor at Floyds Knobs Baptist Church in Southern Indiana. He is married to Lynda and they have 6 wonderful kids.