Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour, but, lo, the Lord hath kept thee back from honour.
- Numbers 24:11
This scripture is in the story of Balak the Moabite King trying to damage God’s people, by using the prophet Balaam to prophecy a curse upon them. Instead, God reversed it, with Balaam choosing what the Lord said and not what Balak wanted.
In our key scripture, we see Balak telling Balaam to ‘pack your bags and go.” He wanted Balaam to know exactly what he was missing out on for not choosing him over the Lord.
Often in our life, this scripture plays a part. We come to a fork in the road where we have to choose between God and man; between following the Lord’s principles and direction or following someone’s promise of a better life for us, whether extra things or great honour.
Maybe someone just wants us to lie a little bit, or look the other way at a certain time, or to vote for something we know is against the Lord’s principles. Some of us may never have made the wrong choice, but others have, thinking it is a small thing, or being in a state of confusion about it at the time, then choosing incorrectly.
I think those of us who have done that have all felt the personal disappointment after making that wrong choice. Yet, it is part of growing in the Lord and choosing whose side we are on.
Joshua said, …but choose you this day whom you will serve, other gods or the real God. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (paraphrased)
Also, Elijah had a similar instance in 1 Kings 18:21, “and Elijah came to all the people, and said, How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him. But the people answered him not a word.”
We are not the only ones who have had to make choices between God’s way and whatever else is trying to win our desires — halting between two opinions — but that choice is critical.
Each time we falter by choice, it makes it easier to choose wrongly again. Therefore, when we come to that crossroad and make the right choice, the temptation for honour or a better life or a better place to live, or whatever else is on offer, will dwindle into nothing.
These small decisions will eventually bring us to a point where we will always choose the Lord.
Today’s prayer: Dear Lord, I have not always chosen you in my decisions. As I think back, I can see times when I have chosen things which make my life better, but I can now see you weren't in those choices. Please help me to choose you each time I need to make a decision of importance like this.
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