Date: 03-06-2021

Title: What To Say

(S) cripture:
    Numbers 22:34-35 (NLT2) Then Balaam confessed to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned. I didn’t realize you were standing in the road to block my way. I will return home if you are against my going.” 35 But the angel of the LORD told Balaam, “Go with these men, but say only what I tell you to say.” So Balaam went on with Balak’s officials.

(O) bservation:
    The story of Balaam is one of my favorites. It is just after a conversation with his donkey (yes, the donkey speaks to Balaam) that Balaam realizes that it is the Lord’s angel that has been blocking his way. Balaam has been summoned by king Balak to speak a curse on the Israelites. There is much more to this story for you to explore. Balaam is allowed to continue but with this command from the Lord. “Say only what I tell you to say.” Balaam is true to this command and in the end blesses the Israelites much to the disappointment of Balak.

(A) pplication:
    The lesson of Balaam should not be lost on preachers today. It seems to me that we hear a great deal of “pop” psychology and self-improvement talk disguised as preaching. We as preachers are called to preach God’s Word and not our own. Nearly each week when I would talk to my mom, she would end the conversation with a comment something like this, “Son, are you prepared to preach tomorrow? Remember that people come to hear a word from the Lord and not from you, so you better be sure that is what you are doing.” All through my ministry she kept my feet to the fire. I am to say what the Lord tells me to say and that will be enough and sufficient for the day. Today I renew my commitment to preaching the Word.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, thank you for your call in my life. As I preach let it be your word and not just what I think. Amen