Donkeys and Whispers

Donkeys and Whispers

There is a wonderful story in Numbers 22:21-35 – “So Balaam rose in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.  Then God’s anger was aroused because he went, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand in the way as an adversary against him. And he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him.  Now the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand, and the donkey turned aside out of the way and went into the field. So Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back onto the road.  Then the Angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side.  And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she pushed herself against the wall and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall; so he struck her again.  Then the Angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.  And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam’s anger was aroused, and he struck the donkey with his staff.

Then the Lord 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?”  And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have abused me. I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you!”  So the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden, ever since I became yours, to this day? Was I ever disposed to do this to you?” And he said, “No.”

 Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face. And the Angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to stand against you, because your way is perverse before Me.  The donkey saw Me and turned aside from Me these three times. If she had not turned aside from Me, surely I would also have killed you by now, and let her live.”  And Balaam said to the Angel of the Lord, “I have sinned, for I did not know You stood in the way against me. Now therefore, if it displeases You, I will turn back.”  Then the Angel of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but only the word that I speak to you, that you shall speak.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.”

This story is so much easier for a child to accept. Of course donkeys speak !! What a silly question. I still don’t understand why Balaam didn’t throw a wobbly as soon as the donkey spoke to him. Yet despite the absolute nonsense of the situation, he entered into a full conversation with the animal. So, if God can speak to a man through a donkey, how else can He speak to us?

Can He speak through earthquake, wind, and fire? Can He speak through that still small voice that the Bible talks about? Can God speak to us through His Word, the Bible? Of course He can – He is God. He created us in His likeness so we can see, hear, smell, taste, and feel Him. God can communicate with us any way He wants to !!

The man whispered, "God, speak to me" And a meadowlark sang.

But, the man did not hear.

So the man yelled "God, speak to me!" And, the thunder rolled across the sky.

But, the man did not listen.

The man looked around and said, "God, let me see you" And a star shined brightly.

But the man did not notice.

And, the man shouted, "God, show me a miracle!" And, a life was born.

But, the man did not comprehend.

So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me God, and let me know you are here!" Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man.

But, the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.

(Author Unknown)