Error of Balaam

The Error of Balaam-Error of Wrong Battles

Balaam following his involvement and association with Balak and the elders of Midian was invited  to curse  the Israelites under the premonition that they would be the next victims of the enviable conquest of the Israelites(Numbers 22:2-6). This assumption was wrong as God had already given the Israelites an instruction not to engage in battle with the Moabites. He told them categorically that he would not give them the land of the Moabites because they were their relatives (Deut 2:9).

It is worth noting that God has respect for our families, our relatives, people who in his own wisdom he orchestrated we  invariably share our lives with. True Christianity has a  healthy respect for the family and even the Apostle Paul says if  we do not take care of our family, we have denied our faith( 1 Timothy 5:8).When  we practice a Christianity that does not identify with our relatives by  choosing to ignore some of  their needs under the pretext of  meeting those of our church, then we are far from the model the Bible clearly shows .This practice was condemned by Jesus as he opposed the Pharisees (Matthew 15:3-8). Instead of engaging in needless battles and  branding our relatives  "witches" while ignoring the real enemy (Ephesians 6:12), there may be a need to check that our  hearts are rid  of jealousy or even malice which may have come from  unresolved issues,incomplete information and dismally, gossip.Involvement in wrong battles leads to a dissipation of energy  in the wrong direction and a waste of resources, time and sadly, damaged relationships. 

 Although  it was a wrong battle,much can be learnt from the Midianites in their approach.They engaged the highest form of warfare by seeking to tackle the battle  spiritually. Acknowledging the power of words(Proverbs 18:21) they hired  Balaam to curse the children of Israel. Balaam's error of wrong company led to the error of wrong battles.We have not been called to fight every battle and sometimes we may need to step aside and allow our loved ones face some battles themselves  so they can learn invaluable lessons.

Battles are an everyday reality and it is pertinent that we engage rightly and with the right weapons. The sword of the spirit which is the word of God is the only offensive weapon  of the Christian soldier (Ephesians 6:17). Different battles will require different strategies which we  should actively pursue under the wisdom and direction of God  (1 Samuel 23:2).The greatest battle  which occurs daily  is the battle of the mind (2 Corinthians 10:5) and we win this battle by speaking out the Word of God. However,our involvement  in any external battle should done with caution ,courage with detailed  and current information

In His Service,

Grace Tom-Lawyer

Happy New Year

The three words "Happy New Year"will be used more frequently in our vocabulary in the next few days and will gradually wane by the end of the month. This can easily   be attributed to the fact that by then the excitement of the word “new” may no longer be applicable and things may have steadily  returned  to status quo.

But I am quite glad that although the word “new” may not be applicable to the year after some months, there is something that we can count on that will be new every day; God’s mercy (Lamentations 3:23). It will never grow  stale neither will it expire as , there is a daily  manufacture of it. No matter how much we use the day before, there will always  be a new  and  fresh supply the  following day  and this is ample reason for  rejoicing. We can hope  and  trust in the mercy of the Lord ( Psalms 52 8 ) as it is good and does us good.  

God is the source and  Father of mercies  (2 Corinthians 1:3), he is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2 4), his mercy being abundant  (1 Peter 1 3), is great towards those who fear him(Psalms 103:11)  and the joker is that  he  delights in showing mercy(Micah 7:18).It is in God’s DNA to be merciful. This mercy of God can surround us (Palms 32 10), be a crown on our heads( Palms 108 :4) and even be our special personal  escort with its twin goodness(Psalms 23 6).No wonder, the Psalmist rejoiced at God’s mercy and when given at option to choose his punishment, decided to fall into the hand of the Lord because he understood the mercy of God (2 Samuel 24:14).

 

As a result of his mercy, we receive salvation( Ephesians 2:4-6,1 Peter 1:3) and as we continue in our walk, our failures  and sins are forgiven( Psalms 51:1) yes of course we need to confess them (1 John 1:9).It is his mercy that enables us to walk in the fear of the Lord. Our families are saved as a result of  his  increased   mercy (Genesis 19:19 ),this mercy is an insurance  policy for our children and grandchildren  (Luke 1 50).As an outflow of mercy, marital destines are fulfilled and partners are located(Genesis 34:1-25).Barren wombs bear children in remembrance of God’s mercy and visitation (Luke 1:10-24,Genesis 30:2).God’s mercy is available  to help us (Psalms 30:10)when we are sad (Psalms 31:9) , desolate ( Psalms 28:16), in trouble ( Psalms 9:13 ) and  brings healing , causing  blind eyes to be opened ( Luke 18:38), mental illness to be cured (Matthew 17:15-18). His mercy will make men and even our bosses to favour us Genesis 39:21). Celebration and rejoicing occurs  at our gates because of the mercy of the Lord( Luke 1:58 ).Truth be told, all our prayers are answered because of the mercy of God ( Psalms 4:1 ).But how can we access this mercy?

All we need to do is to come boldly to Gods throne and obtain this mercy (Hebrews 4:16) and the Living Bible puts it well by saying ”so let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need”.God does not only delight in showing mercy but he delights in those who hope in his mercy(Psalms 147: 10,11 ).

So this year I wish that more than ever we, being vessels of his mercy (Romans 9:24) all live under the reality of the new mercies of God daily with thanksgiving (2 Chronicles 16:34). Happy New Year and remember every day is new with his mercies.

         

In His Service,

Grace Tom-Lawyer.