Kevin Bemel ·
How You Can Determine God’s Will
Parsha Nugget Balak – Numbers 22:2-25:9
I have a clear picture of what I want from life and a set timetable for when I want it. If only G-d would cooperate. A friend once told me:
“Man plans, G-d laughs”
This week's parsha, Balak, reinforces this lesson:
You shall not go with them! You shall not curse the people because they are blessed. (Numbers/Bamidbar 22:12)
This week’s parsha details how Balak, the king of Moab, attempted to have Bilaam, one of the greatest prophets of all time, curse the Children of Israel. Included is the wonderful story of the talking donkey, my wife’s favorite in all of the Bible. The parsha ends with the somewhat frightening event in which Pinchas spears Prince Zimri and his Midianite lover in public at the entrance to the Tenant of Meeting.
The story of Balak and Bilaam is an archetype of how people think they can flout G-d’s will. Balak, who saw the Children of Israel destroy Sihon and Og, was afraid that he would suffer the same fate. He asked Bilaam to curse the Israelites so that he would be victorious in a war.
G-d does not want Bilaam to go. But Bilaam is persistent and eventually, G-d relents telling him he can only say what He permits. Bilaam persists in hoping either G-d will let him do what Balak wants or that he will be able to accomplish his objective despite G-d’s will.
Then Bilaam’s donkey disobeys his command to move despite being whipped. He does not see that his loyal donkey is trying to protect him. Miraculously she speaks to Bilaam and explains her disobedience. Not until that moment does Bilaam see that an angel is waiting to kill him. Despite G-d’s will being so obvious his simple donkey understands it, Bilaam’s craving for the riches Balak has promised him blinds him.
When someone acts against your wishes is your first thought to be angry with him for obstructing your progress? Could it be that this person is G-d’s messenger who is letting you know you are acting contrary to G-d’s wishes and you need to consider an alternative course of action?
When should you change and when should you stay the course? Here are some issues to ponder:
- How convinced are you that yours is the only solution?
- What impact will your decision have on important relationships?
- How much ground, if any, will you lose by changing course?
The challenge of discerning G-d’s messages in daily life can be immense. By keeping in mind G-d’s desire that you emulate Him by taking good care of His children, you dramatically improve your ability to perceive His emissaries.
What clues do you look for in recognizing G-d’s will?
You can leave a comment on this question or ask another question below ↓
Every year beginning on Simchas Torah, the cycle of reading the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, ends and begins again. Each Sabbath a portion known as a sedra or parsha is read. Its name comes from the first significant word or two with which this weekly reading begins.
Do you have a question about the Old Testament? Ask it here and I will answer it in a future Parsha Nugget!
