Not Open to Negotiation

If it’s been a while since you have read the story of Balak (King of Moab) and Balaam the prophet, I urge you to do so soon. You can find the story in Numbers 22 through 24, Numbers 31:1-16, and Revelation 2:14. It’s important to read all the references for context.

It is said – correctly or not – that everyone has his or her price. Judas had his, and Balaam had his. But the point of Balaam’s story – as is true in the totality of Scripture – is this: When God says, ‘No,’ His decree is NOT OPEN TO NEGOTIATION.

And if you have walked with Christ for a while you've seen it happen again and again – people in the pews (and pulpits) seduced by whatever was their ‘price’ to disobey God's commandments – such as in deciding who to marry or with whom to enter into contractual business agreements. (See 2 Corinthians 6:14ff, for example).

As the story of Balaam continues in Numbers 22, it seems at first blush that the prophet simply wanted further instructions from God. But we know that was not the case. That was not his motive for hoping God would change His mind. (You need to read those other references to see what was really happening).

My Bible study group is examining this story next week, and I intend to ask them – as I ask myself and I ask YOU – “What is the danger of hoping God will change His mind about any of His commandments?”

He gives us a clear answer all over the pages Scripture. For example, take a quick look at Romans 1, verses 24, 26, and 28. Oh, my! It should terrify everyone to think that God can so ‘give us over’ to our sins that we will never again see truth.

And then there is this text from Matthew 13: 10 And the disciples came and said to [Jesus], “Why do You speak to them in parables?” . . . 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, ‘You will keep on hearing but will not understand; You will keep on seeing but will not perceive; 15For the heart of this people has become dull. With their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes, otherwise they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and I would heal them.’

Oh! We have GOT to catch the warning. The more often we keep saying ‘no’ to God, the more often we try to negotiate with God about His commandments, the GREATER the risk that we blind our eyes, and dull our ears, and harden our hearts to truth.

God is serious about obedience. From Genesis through Revelation, God demands of us obedience. May the Holy Spirit burn that truth into our hearts, minds, spirits, and souls.