Prevented from False Promotion
prevent–to keep from happening or existing
Here’s the story:
Balak was king of the Moabites. He sent a delegation to bring back Balaam to curse the Israelites. God told Balaam he was not allowed to go and that the Israelites were blessed. Balak sent a second delegation more honorable than the first. This time Balak offered an incentive:
And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: for I will promote thee unto very great honor, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.
Numbers 22:16-17 (KJV)
Before Balaam answered each group he took the night to seek the Lord, and hear His answer. The first time God said no. The second time God said go, and when Balaam prepared to go, he made the Lord angry. An angel with sword drawn stood in the way of Balaam going with the second group, but Balaam did not see the angel. Only his donkey saw the angel.
Three different times Balaam tried to go with no success, and in his frustration he beat the donkey. Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth. “There’s a reason I’m resisting you, because you know that’s not my norm. Right?” Balaam agreed. Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes.
You may read the whole account in Numbers 22-24. Balaam ended up going, but he was sober in heart and spoke only the word of the Lord over the Israelites. Balak realized his plot was a failure.
The moral of the story:
- When what should carry you will not move (ministry, business, gift, talent, skill), pay attention.
- You must see the angel. The donkey spoke to Balaam about his loyalty, not the angel. God will cause environmental factors to “speak” but you must see.
- When people come to influence you against the will of God in delegations like Balak sent to Balaam, remember God meant what He said the first time.
- Desire for promotion is not a bad thing; but valid promotion does not come through ways that oppose the mission of God. When we put ourselves in a position where offers are made, we have to know the difference.
Character counts!
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The Bereans' Commentary with Shaunta D. Scroggins, Ed.D. 
omg this is so powerful!!!