God Knows our Heart

Num. 21-24 Beware of Double-mindedness

 Many use the story of Balaam and the speaking donkey to enthrall audiences, but there is more to this story than just the donkey. God used Balaam in an unlikely manner to reveal the words of God to Abraham regarding his people. “I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse.” [Gen. 12:3]

Balaam knew that principle, yet he allowed his better judgment to get in the way of obedience. God asked Balaam about his visitors. “Who are these men?” Balaam kept up a dialog with God about them, and on the surface, it seems that he was obeying. Like many today, Balaam tried to appear righteous by saying that he could not curse Israel, but his heart proves the opposite. Balaam is a clear picture of a double-minded man. He sought ways to obey God and yet get the King’s riches. The last test came when God explicitly tested Balaam when he said: “if” these men have come to call you, get up and go with them. But, Balaam didn’t wait for the “if” clause and instead got up and went.

God knows our heart better than we do, and He gives us tests to discern if we will obey His voice or our own.