The LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth … — Numbers 23:16
The LORD transacts business with many people. God meets with angels, good and evil (Job 1:6, 1 Kings 22:19+).
Clearly, a meeting with God can be life changing. Saul the persecutor was transformed into Paul the Apostle. But some people meet with God, do business, and walk away unchanged. Balaam appears to be one of these people. He could get a true word from God, and still be a false prophet. Balaam was reckless (Numbers 22:32) and auctioned his spiritual gifts to the highest bidder (2 Peter 2:15). In the end, as you may recall, Balaam was killed by the sword because he enticed the Israelites into sexual immorality and idolatry (Numbers 31:8, Revelation 2:4).
Just getting a word from the Lord does not automatically mean that we are moving forward spiritually. Jonah got a word from the Lord, but it was the pagan king of Nineveh who repented when he heard it, not Jonah. God had to do more work with Jonah before he started coming around.
Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:15) Little children are honest. They don’t yet know how to be otherwise. It’s only when telling the truth to themselves and others becomes too painful that they learn to hide behind falsehood.
So, yes. God can deal with anybody. But He transforms those who receive Him with open hearted honesty.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.