Now is Not the Time to Waiver!!!
As we enter into chapter 22 of the Book of Numbers, we will cover key points and there may be more parts because it extends into Chapter 24. Note that even sinners can see when someone is blessed. What is unfortunate about this is that they don’t see that this gift comes from the LORD. It is His countenance, His presence, grace, mercy, and favor in the lives of those who cleave to Him. But it also shows and proves the lie that many believe. Those who say, “Once saved, always saved”.
I want you to understand why many people are not truly blessed. As the Spirit is guiding me, I am told to look up the biblical definition of the word “blessed”. Meditate on this because it is powerful. And more importantly, it has nothing to do with financial and material possessions or wealth. I will present two parts, that must be combined to be most effective.
True Aspects of a Complete Blessing
1) The Ancient Greek concept is makarios, “It means an inner peace, an inner bliss, an inner happiness, an inner joy that is not produced or affected by circumstances”.
2) The word translated “blessed” (barukh) is related to the Hebrew word for “knee” (berekh), as is the word for “blessing” (b’rakha), thus implying an association between humbling ourselves (i.e., kneeling before Him in recognition of His blessedness, and receiving personal blessing from Him.
This is so important if you, as I am, are on a personal journey to walk in His peace and joy which surpasses all understanding. To stay in His presence. It is momentous as we come into and are in perilous times.
As I confirm in His Word, I want to warn you that you must be circumspect. To cultivate, nurture, and protect it as the devil seeks to kill, steal, and destroy it from your lives. To destroy you. If you don’t recognize this amazing gift, you will never walk in it permanently. Peace, joy, and blessings are cherished by the LORD and He will not waste it on the unprepared.
Perfect Peace Transcends All Understanding
1) “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]” (Philippians 4: 6-7, AMP).
2) “But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strenghener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” (John 14: 26-27, AMP).
And again, “‘I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.’ [My conquest is accomplished, My victory is abiding.]” (John 16: 33, AMP).
Perfect Peace Casts Out Fear
And 3) “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]. Trust [confidently] in the LORD forever [He is your fortress, your shield, your banner], for the LORD GOD is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]” (Isaiah 26: 3-4, AMP).
Yet I perfectly digressed in the Spirit. As the children of Israel continued to journey they camped in the plains of Moab. Balak the king of Moab knew what they had done to the Amorites. He was afraid and distressed because there was so many of them.
“And Moab said unto the elders of Midiam, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed” (Numbers 22: 4-6, KJV).
The LORD Searches The Hearts
As we proceed, I want you to notice that Balak did not care to know God, but he wanted to partake in His glory when it benefited him. Another particular point that you need to focus on is the degradation and degeneracy of Balaam. He must have been a powerful man of God at one time and another but being double-minded. Because when you lose focus of the true blessing, God Himself, it will never end well. How they approached him and how he received them confirms that he had become evil.
“And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand: and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak. And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam” (Numbers 22: 7-8, KJV).
Now God already knows the answers to all things. Understand that when He asks you a question, He wants you to reflect on the seriousness of the situation. The magnitude in what He is asking. He was giving Balaam time to reflect on the true intentions, the inclinations of his heart. “God came to Balaam, and said, ‘Who are these men with you?’” (Numbers 22: 9, AMP).
No Man Can Curse Whom God Has Blessed
Balaam told the LORD what they wanted from him. But notice that he did not mention the “fees” that they brought with them. God gave him a direct command. Many times we are guilty of wanting to ignore or modify the commandments of the LORD and even as He allows us it is a test to see how far and how long we are willing to stray. But disobedience in itself is a curse and we will be judged for the sin of interpretation.
“And God said unto Balaam, Thou shall not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed” (Numbers 22: 12, KJV). NO ONE can curse what God has blessed. But understand that God Himself can and will revoke the blessing. Be aware that even the carnal king knew how important the LORD’s blessings are.
The answer from the LORD was twofold because He knew what was in Balaam’s heart. And the hearts of all those that were involved. He warned Balaam not to go with him. The devil is crafty. He came to him with just enough to entice him. Well aware of the greed and pride in Balaam’s heart. When he sent them away the first time, Satan saw right through his facade. Balaam’s form of godliness. Satan was ready to up his game. Knowing that the heart of man is despicably wicked.
The Heart is Despicably Wicked
“And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you. And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us. And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they.
“And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: (Satan is relentless!) For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people. And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more” (Numbers 22: 13-19, KJV).
I want to reiterate that the LORD had given Balaam clear instructions. There was nothing that he did not understand. Balaam wanted silver and gold even as he denied it. He felt entitled that he should be compensated for his talents. As if it was what he deserved for doing the work of the LORD. Balaam’s arrogance was on full display. Pay particular attention to his demeanor. He was blinded by his greed. His dereliction almost cost him his life.
God’s Commands Are Not Bargaining Points
“And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and the two servants were with him” (Numbers 22: 20-22, KJV).
At this point Balaam had become God’s enemy. This is a prevalent teaching for today because the wrath of God is abiding over the heads of many. To put it simply, he abhorred God. Even as he wanted to be worshipped like a god. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6: 24, KJV).
“When the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way and His drawn sword in His hand, the donkey turned off the path and went into the field: but Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back toward the path. But the Angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path of the vineyards, with a [stone] wall on this side and a [stone] wall on that side.
Are You Discerning the Situation?
“When the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD, she pressed herself against the wall and crushed Balaam’s foot against it, and he struck her again. The Angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left. When the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, so Balaam was angry and he struck the donkey [a third time] with his staff” (Numbers 22: 23-27, AMP).
I digress. And I want you to meditate on what was written about this man and those like him, by Peter. “But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
“Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet” (2 Peter 2: 12-16, KJV).
The Madness of Idolatry and Covetousness
“And the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you that you struck me these three times?’ Then Balaam said to the donkey, Because you have made a mockery of me! If there had been a sword in my hand, I would have killed you by now!’ The donkey said to Balaam, ‘Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden all your life until this day? Have I ever been accustomed to do so to you?’ And he said, ‘No’ (Numbers 22: 28-30, AMP).
This rebuke is pivotal. Many times we walk along in oblivion. Unable to discern the times that we are in. The spiritual warfare that surrounds us. Angels, Death, Hell, principalities and powers. While ignoring the insightful ones surrounding us. Possibly being the last olive branch that the LORD will give you. A representation of God’s mercy.
I feel that even though his eyes were opened, Balaam remained insincere. He was so deceived and disingenuous that he still did not want to turn back. “Then the LORD said, Because this nation approaches [Me only] with their words and honors Me [only] with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, and their reverence for Me is a tradition that is learned by rote [without any regard for its meaning” (Isaiah 29: 13, AMP). So that you have clarity, rote is defined as mechanical or habitual repetition of something to be learned.
Greed Leads to Debauchery and Worse
“Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: and the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive” (Numbers 22: 31-33, KJV).
Balaam had become depraved, degenerate, and corrupt. But God had a plan. As Balaam continued to walk contrary to Him. He will expose their idolatry and show them that He is the one true God.
Can I tell you something? God will let you continue in your sin until there is no return. Meditate on these:
1) “He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; when he speaketh fair, believe him not: for their are seven abominations in his heart” (Proverbs 26: 24-25, KJV).
2) “Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him” (Proverbs 26: 27, KJV).
Don’t Be Deceived
And 3) Don’t be deceived. “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame” (Hebrews 6: 4-6, KJV).
“Balaam said to the Angel of the LORD, ‘I have sinned, for I did not know that You were standing in the way against me. But now, if my going displeases You, I will turn back.’ The Angel of the LORD said to Balaam, ‘Go with the men, but you shall speak only what I tell you’. So Balaam went along with the leaders of Balak” (Numbers 22: 34-35, AMP).
Balaam was upset because he was unable to achieve his selfish goals. Desiring to exalt himself in the eyes of Balak. Balak was angry because he believed that Balaam should have come sooner. He was a wealthy man and he did not appreciate being treated as a commoner. Balak could not see that the Angel of the LORD was present. But Balaam knew all too well.
“And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? Wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour? And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak” (Numbers 22: 37-38, KJV).
Idolatry is The Crudest of Sins
Here is the hypocrisy. Balak serves Baal. Or Chemosh, who was their god at the time. But he is looking for the LORD to help him defeat Israel. While at the same time not even acknowledging that He is the one true God.
“They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they Him to anger. They sacrificed unto devils (demons), not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not” (Deuteronomy 32: 16-17, KJV).
And again, “The idols [of the nations] are silver and gold, the works of man’s hands. They have mouths, but they cannot speak; they have eyes, but they cannot see; they have ears, but they cannot hear; they have noses, but they cannot smell; they have hands, but they cannot feel; they have feet, but they cannot walk; nor can they make a sound with their throats. Those who make them will become like them, everyone who trusts in them” (Psalm 115: 4-8, AMP).
“And Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Krista-huzoth. And Balak offered (sacrificed) oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him. And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost part of the people” (Numbers 22: 39-41, KJV).
It occurred to me that they built these altars for idol worship in high places to give the illusion that these idols sit high and see low. But this omnipresence is reserved for God only. No man can put Him there, because He is!
Always coming from a place of love and in truth!!!
Originally written on October 24, 2024.
Matthew 13: 15
And again, I humbly offer you some additional resources as the LORD is bringing them to me. As this prophet has described, given to her from God. So that you may prepare for what is to come.
Click the link below. The end times are upon us and because of my love for the LORD and my family, and for you. And the great sorrow that I feel as I see those around me walking in oblivious darkness and untruths, I feel compelled to provide Celestial’s teachings to you.
The links are referenced but inactive on the Vlogs but are available on the blog/podcast pages of my site at Benevolentwoman.com. Please visit Celestial’s site “The Master’s Voice Prophecy Blog”. Also visit “School of The Hebrews” with Pastor Omar Thibeaux. God is calling His people!!! Thank you again!!! Thank you!!!
Mene, Mene, Tekel Upharsin – June 3, 2019 – The Master’s Voice Prophecy Blog
