11 Nov, 2009
Did You Say Something?
Horses and mules are veterans too
Wednesday, the 11th, is Veteran’s Day, and while we take the day to remember and thank the many veterans who have defended and protected us through so many horrible wars, we can also take a moment to reflect on the animals that have aided our military in war, both past and present.
In war, horses have often been ridden or used to haul supplies. Mules are used to haul ammunition and supplies through rugged terrain that even military off-road vehicles cannot navigate.
Story provided by: examiner.com.
Picture provided by: sos.mo.gov.
Numbers 22:23-31 (English Standard Version)
23And the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road, with a drawn sword in his hand. And the donkey turned aside out of the road and went into the field. And Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the road. 24Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on either side. 25And when the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she pushed against the wall and pressed Balaam’s foot against the wall. So he struck her again. 26Then the angel of the LORD went ahead and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left. 27When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam. And Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff. 28Then the LORD(A) opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?" 29And Balaam said to the donkey, "Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you." 30And the donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Is it my habit to treat you this way?" And he said, "No."
31Then the LORD(B) opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face.
What does God's Story scripture teach us about God getting our attention?
First, I would like to address an important issue in this piece of God's story. Does it strike anyone else as odd that Balaam doesn't even flinch when the donkey starts talking? If my pets started talking to me there would be a hole in my door shaped like me running. Balaam acts like this is a common occurrence, that strikes me as funny.
As bizarre as Balaam's response is there are things to learn in his response (check the section below). For now here is some of the background for this story.
At this moment in the story the Nation of Israel has left Egypt and are moving into the land they were promised. They reach the land of Moab that is ruled by Balak. Moab is fearful of the people of Israel because they are numerous and they have heard about how the Hebrews have defeated all their other opponents. Out of terrible fear Balak sends some of his advisors to request Balaam to curse the nation of Israel.
Balaam at first rejects them, and says he can offer no curse against the Hebrews. Then after God gives him explicit instructions not to do anything except what he is told by God, Balaam acts disobediently, and starts the next day by doing things his own way.
That's when the donkey steps in and is a hero to Balaam. The donkey saves Balaam from judgement.
How can we connect today's God's story Scripture to our lives?
Balaam and his response in this situation offer a couple of lessons. First his lack of suprise when the donkey started speaking. Balaam apprently has had enough intereactions with the Most High that things like talking animals get his attention but they don't suprise him. Is the same true for you? Do you listen enough to what God is saying that you aren't suprised when out of the ordinary things open your eyes to God's work? I'm not at this point but I would love to be at the place where I see God in everything and expect Him to speak in every situation.
We can also learn from Balaam's lack of obedience. God doesn't mind if Balaam goes with the men who came from Balak. When Balaam goes though he is to do so God's way. When he didn't there were consequences. There are lots of good things in the world that God has placed parameters on. God didn't put those rules there to steal joy, but to make it better, or to give us more out of it, and sometimes to protect us. God asks us to be obedient because he understands things we do not.
Take time to listen to what God is saying to you, then respond in obedience.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
Today's God's story is a great story to share with a friend to peak their intrest. This is the kind of story that causes people to say things like, "You're kidding! Is that really in there?" It leaves you with an open door to share more pieces of God's story, and make sure you share a piece or two that connects with your friend's story.
Another way this connects to our friends is more about our connection to the Father. Are you listening when God tells you to share His story with your friends? Then are you acting obediently to what you are hearing? Learning to listen and respond to God will make a huge difference in sharing Jesus with your peers.
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