I just started a three week series on Sunday mornings in JHM called Strange but True.
I am teaching on different stories in the Bible that are weird and probably some that the students have never heard before. Here is the outline from last weeks lesson.
Strange But True
Amazing Moments From God’s Word
Balaam’s Talking Donkey!
The complete story can be found in Numbers 22:1-40
The Story…In A Nutshell:
• The Israelites moved into the promised land and were busy eliminating the other people that lived there.
• This made Balak (king of Moab) very nervous so he hired a fortune teller named Balaam to put a curse in the Israelites.
• Balaam agrees to do it for the right amount of money, even though it was disobeying Gods command.
• On the way to Moab, God tries to get Balaam’s attention by sending an angel to kill him.
• The donkey sees angel, goes off path. Balaam beats donkey.
• Donkey Talks.
• Angel opens Balaam’s eyes and he falls to the ground
• Balaam repents from sinning and says he is going home.
• Angel tells him to keep going, but this time obey God.
• When Balaam shows up to pronounce his curse, he instead pronounces a blessing.
What Can This Possibly Mean To Me?
• 1. When temptation comes your way – Run From It
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Martin Luther once said, “You may not be able to stop a bird from landing on your head, but you don’t have to let it build a nest!”
• 2. When God tries to get your attention – Listen Up
“Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell face down.” Numbers 22:31
• 3. When God tells you something – Just Do It
“Loving God means obeying his commands. And God’s commands are not too hard on us, but for our good.” 1 John 5:3
Thought For The Week:
Are my Eyes Open or is my Mind Closed?
