WEEKLY REFLECTION by Pastor Lap Dinh on Numbers 22-24

These chapters remind us that the people of God are often more protected than they realize. Israel did not even know all that was happening behind the scenes. They were simply camping, moving, and following the Lord in the wilderness, while elsewhere Balak was fearful, plotting, and hiring Balaam to curse them. Israel could not see the schemes of men, the pressures of politics, or the unseen spiritual hostility rising against them. But the Lord saw all of it. And before any curse could ever reach His people, God had already drawn the line. Balaam could only speak what God allowed. That is encouraging and comforting.

Many times, we do not know what is being said against us, planned against us, or desired for our downfall. We do not hear every conversation. We do not see every hidden resistance. We do not understand every unseen battle. But the Lord does. And if He has placed His blessing upon His people, no man can finally reverse it. What God has blessed cannot be successfully cursed.

Yet these chapters do not only comfort us. They also warn us. Balaam stood near the word of God, but far from the heart of God. He spoke true words, yet loved gain, honor, and reward. His mouth became an instrument for divine truth, but his inner life remained crooked. That is a sobering picture. It is possible to say the right things, handle sacred matters, and still be wrong within. God is not impressed by spiritual language when the heart is divided.

Thus, we must pay attention to our inner spiritual being, which generates spiritual outputs that should bless God’s people and bring others to the redemptive plan of God through Christ Jesus.

Here we see a striking word in Numbers 24:17, “A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.” Even in this strange account of a pagan king and a compromised prophet, God lifts our eyes beyond the moment. His purpose is moving forward. His covenant stands. His King is coming.

Though Balak and Balaam were the main characters in the story, ultimately it was not about them, but about the unshaken plan of God to bring forth His Ruler and secure His people through and in Christ Jesus.

So take heart. The Lord Jesus is guarding His people even when they cannot see it. But also take heed. Do not be content with right words and a wandering heart. Walk before Him in sincerity. Rest under His blessing. Fear His holiness. And look to the coming King whom no curse can stop.