Numbers 24

The king of Moab, Balak, wanted results. He got a champion sorcerer, Balaam, to come and look at the camp of Israel in order to speak a powerful curse against them. Two times now this guru of spells had spoken words from God upon Israel that were blessings instead of curses.

By the third try Balaam was beginning to see more clearly that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel. Therefore he abandoned some of his magical arts and went toward the wilderness. He saw the tribes of Israel in their formation. Then the Spirit of God came upon this unlikely prophet.

Israel would be blessed like a very sturdy grove, a fruitful forest. God's kingdom would be higher than the other kingdoms of the world. God confirmed the promise He gave so long ago to Abraham: “Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you.”

Balak clapped his hands together, not in approval, but with deep frustration and anger. Balaam had forfeited any gain that would have been his as compensation from the king of Moab. But God would still use this sorcerer as an amazing spokesman of some very important revelation. Balaam would speak further words of blessing upon Israel.

This time the good word was not only about the nation, but about one special person from out of the chosen nation. A star would come out of Jacob, one who would have the scepter of a king.

This coming Messiah would be the same one announced to Eve who would crush the head of the serpent. This One from Jacob would have true dominion.

Before the coming of the holy One of Israel, the people of God would face great hardship and discipline from the Almighty. Even today the church has been warned that in this world we will have tribulation.

Yet we can be of good cheer, because a great star has appeared. That sign in the heavens announced the coming of the Holy One of Israel. Though He faced great affliction for our sake, because of His righteousness and mercy we have a sure hope.

Balaam's words were completed. He had disappointed the leaders of Moab who were counting on him to severely weaken Israel. But who can stop the hand of the Almighty? He will bless us with peace. He has purchased us through the blood of an acceptable Substitute. The King who died on the cross and rose from the dead is our true and everlasting King.