Described
as one of most remarkable parts of the Bible in my commentary, this passage
from Numbers recounts the international pagan diviner Balaam's
"conversion" through a manifestation of God's spirit.
Balaam
was meant to be cursing Israel, but he can't help doing the opposite and
instead blesses Israel as God's dwelling place.
His
language is extravagant, as he is taken out of himself by a supernatural
experience of God.
I
am reminded of St Paul who does what he doesn't want to do, and doesn't do what
he does want to do - although the tables are turned in the case of Balaam.
While Paul is fighting the parts of himself that are ungodly, Balaam is
welcoming his godly self to supersede his erstwhile pagan self.
The
learning for us today is that God can surprise us with manifestations of the
Holy Spirit in our lives in new ways not so far experienced. We should not be
afraid of this, but welcome the experience as a fresh means of empowerment to
do God's work and live in His strength.
L'exemple de Balaam, le devin païen devenu glorificateur
de Dieu, nous montre la puissance surnaturel du saint esprit de changer une
malédiction en bénédiction, et d'habiliter le chrétien dans le service de Dieu.
Sue Bird
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