Balaam answered them, “Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the Lord my God.” Numbers 22:18 NIV 

We must obey God rather than any human authority. Acts 5:29

Our two verses for today have the same theme – we are to obey and follow God rather than any earthly authority.

First, we have Balaam. Most of us probably remember Balaam and his talking donkey. (Numbers 22:21-39) Or maybe that he was not one of the good prophets. This verse from Numbers come before that when Balak, king of Moab, has offered the usual divination fee if Balaam will curse Israel. The king sends a couple of messengers with the fee to Balaam, who tells them they need to wait overnight while he consults God. He gets the message from God that Israel cannot be cursed; they have been blessed by God.

Balak persists and sends more and more distinguished officials. Balaam still refuses with the words in this verse – he cannot go beyond the command of the Lord. All the riches of the earth cannot compare with following what God has told him. Plus he himself cannot perform a curse if God does not support it.

Most of us are more familiar with the setting and words in Acts. The disciples are doing what Jesus told them to do, spreading the Good News about Jesus life, death and resurrection. Then the Sanhedrin orders them to stop doing that.  Peter’s reply is that it is God who must be obeyed, not any human authority. Yes, it is necessary to submit to the earthly authority, but at the same time it is God who is to be obeyed.

We too need to stop and listen for that small, still voice of God and try to listen and follow Him, rather than all the distractions of this world.

Loving God, thank you for your voice coming to us through your word, other people, and nature. There are so many conflicting voices in this world. Open our ears daily and help us to hear your voice. We pray, O precious God, that others will see your love in our lives and actions. We also pray to keep our eyes, ears, and hearts open to the tasks you need us to do and the paths to take. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party