Life Interrupted

The Book of Numbers in the Bible is a book filled with, you guessed it, numbers. 

Measurements and census numbers overwhelm the text and leave little room for narrative. Amongst the numbers, though, is a narrative that will wake anyone up: a donkey communicating with his owner Balaam, less like a braying donkey, and more like Donkey from Shrek. 

The story goes like this:

First, the owner of the donkey, Balaam, is approached by the leaders of Moab to bring a curse on the Israelite people. The Moabites are nervous for their future. The people of Israel have been decimating the people they meet and are nearing Moabite territory. So, Balaam asks God if he can bring a curse down on Israel and receives a solid NO. The Moabite men get sent back to Balaam, this time with a heftier payment, thinking money might hold some sway. Balaam asks God about cursing Israel again, just double checking he heard God correctly; after all it is a hefty payment. 

Being unsure of what God has said is a familiar story line. From the very beginning people have been entering into foolishness because they wondered, “Did God really say?”

God responds to Balaam’s second request with a surprise, telling Balaam to go with the Moabite men, but prompting Balaam to listen only to God Himself. Balaam hopped on his donkey and took off for Moab with the princes. But, on his travels, the donkey becomes uncooperative.  

Enter Numbers interrupted by the tale of the unruly donkey:

The donkey turns aside and goes into a field and Balaam strikes the donkey. The donkey pushes up against the wall, smashing Balaam’s foot. Balaam strikes the donkey a second and third time. This is where the donkey starts talking. Fed up, the donkey outright asks why Balaam keeps striking her. Balaam explains it’s because she is making him look like a fool.

God opens Balaam’s eyes and helps him see truth on that road: 

It was not the donkey making him look foolish - it was himself.

How often do we blame our own foolishness on whatever is in front of us?

We may do things like:

·      sever relationships with people who tell us we are making foolish decisions

·      rail at God when He holds the bigger plan

·      chase riches, a reward, or an accomplishment 

·      be like Eve and desire a different life, one that looks so much prettier 

God interrupts our story with salvation.

God sent a donkey to Balaam, chasing riches with a crowd bent on destruction.

God sent clothes and discipline to Eve, eating her way to a “better” life. 

God places people and roadblocks on our roads, turning us back to Him. 

All through life our roads will be filled with things that would seem to have the ability to stop God’s plan. It may be surprising what God uses to keep us from going down a destructive path.  For Balaam he used a donkey. What has He used in your life? 

God may also use us as another’s donkey, pointing out destruction with love and maybe someone’s story, like Balaam’s. To roughly quote Reformer Martin Luther -

“If God can use a donkey to speak truth, He can use me too.”

Our roads of foolishness would lead to utter destruction if it was not for Jesus and the work He did in creating a road to Himself. God’s interruptions are the best interruptions.  

He restores my soul. He leads me on paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3

Up Next: Where is God in the Brokenness?

In the Meantime: Catch this week’s Mental Health Monday Road Trip Video on Foolish Mental Health Myths