MOUNTAINSIDE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
THE WAR WITHIN: A DONKEY, AN ANGEL, AND A BLIND PROPHET
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Mountainside Assembly of God
1900 Trevorton Rd, Coal Township, PA 17866, USA
Sunday 10:30 AM
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https://mountainsideag.comThe Story of Balaam and the Talking Donkey (Numbers 22:1-20)
Introduction to the Backstory
Context: As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness nearing the Promised Land, their victories sparked fear among the neighboring nations, particularly the Moabites.
Balak’s Response to Israel’s Victory
Key Point: King Balak of Moab, terrified by Israel's might, seeks a supernatural solution by hiring Balaam to curse Israel.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 22:5-7
Balaam’s Initial Refusal
Key Point: Despite the tempting offers from Balak, Balaam refuses after God's clear command not to curse the Israelites.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 22:8-14
Balak’s Persistence and Balaam’s Compromise
Key Point: Balak sends a more prestigious delegation; Balaam's resolve falters, and he seeks God’s permission again, revealing his divided heart.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 22:15-20
Reflect on a time when you felt pressured to compromise your values. How did you respond?
Why is it important to remain steadfast in God's initial guidance, even when tempted to reconsider?
God’s Reaction and the Journey Begins
Key Point: God allows Balaam to go with Balak's princes but is angered by Balaam's continuing inner conflict and desire for reward.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 22:20-21
Spiritual Reflection: How can we ensure our decisions align with God’s will, especially when faced with potential personal gain?
Why Was God Angry?
Key Point: Despite permission, God’s anger reflects His knowledge of Balaam’s heart — still considering disobedience.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 22:22
The Encounter with the Angel
Key Point: The angel of the Lord appears as a roadblock, which the donkey perceives but Balaam does not, highlighting Balaam's spiritual blindness.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 22:22-27
What does Balaam’s inability to see the angel tell us about spiritual awareness?
How can we become more attuned to the "roadblocks" God might be placing in our paths?
The Talking Donkey and God’s Message
Key Point: The donkey speaks to Balaam, a miraculous event that finally makes him perceive God's messenger.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 22:28-35
Application to Modern Life:
In what ways might God be speaking to us through unexpected sources or events?
Conclusion: Learning from Balaam
Final Thought: Balaam’s story is a powerful reminder of the dangers of greed, the necessity of obedience to God’s will, and the importance of spiritual discernment.
Challenge: Consider areas in your life where you may be ignoring God's guidance, and pray for the humility to accept His will.
Closing Prayer: "Lord, open our hearts to fully embrace Your direction without hesitation. Teach us to recognize Your guiding hand in our lives and give us the courage to follow faithfully. Amen."
Introduction to the Backstory
Context: As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness nearing the Promised Land, their victories sparked fear among the neighboring nations, particularly the Moabites.
Balak’s Response to Israel’s Victory
Key Point: King Balak of Moab, terrified by Israel's might, seeks a supernatural solution by hiring Balaam to curse Israel.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 22:5-7
Balaam’s Initial Refusal
Key Point: Despite the tempting offers from Balak, Balaam refuses after God's clear command not to curse the Israelites.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 22:8-14
Balak’s Persistence and Balaam’s Compromise
Key Point: Balak sends a more prestigious delegation; Balaam's resolve falters, and he seeks God’s permission again, revealing his divided heart.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 22:15-20
Reflect on a time when you felt pressured to compromise your values. How did you respond?
Why is it important to remain steadfast in God's initial guidance, even when tempted to reconsider?
God’s Reaction and the Journey Begins
Key Point: God allows Balaam to go with Balak's princes but is angered by Balaam's continuing inner conflict and desire for reward.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 22:20-21
Spiritual Reflection: How can we ensure our decisions align with God’s will, especially when faced with potential personal gain?
Why Was God Angry?
Key Point: Despite permission, God’s anger reflects His knowledge of Balaam’s heart — still considering disobedience.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 22:22
The Encounter with the Angel
Key Point: The angel of the Lord appears as a roadblock, which the donkey perceives but Balaam does not, highlighting Balaam's spiritual blindness.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 22:22-27
What does Balaam’s inability to see the angel tell us about spiritual awareness?
How can we become more attuned to the "roadblocks" God might be placing in our paths?
The Talking Donkey and God’s Message
Key Point: The donkey speaks to Balaam, a miraculous event that finally makes him perceive God's messenger.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 22:28-35
Application to Modern Life:
In what ways might God be speaking to us through unexpected sources or events?
Conclusion: Learning from Balaam
Final Thought: Balaam’s story is a powerful reminder of the dangers of greed, the necessity of obedience to God’s will, and the importance of spiritual discernment.
Challenge: Consider areas in your life where you may be ignoring God's guidance, and pray for the humility to accept His will.
Closing Prayer: "Lord, open our hearts to fully embrace Your direction without hesitation. Teach us to recognize Your guiding hand in our lives and give us the courage to follow faithfully. Amen."
