In A Harsh World of Reality. . Who Will We Give Our Loyalty to?

          “And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.” (Numbers 22:12). “How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, challenge, confront, rebel against those whom the LORD hath not defied challenged, confronted?   For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell.” (Numbers 23:8,9.)

     “Pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem to celebrate their harvest was to be per-eminently an occasion

1626 Rembrandt captured a moment with a man attempting to force his donkey up a trail where the donkey saw the angel, and the donkey refused to obey the man. And instead the donkey couldn’t pass the angel, so the donkey said, “Haven’t I always been faithful to you?” Why do you make me go where it is not safe for you? Balaam could not see what the animal he loved and trusted could see. . .the angel!  Balaam would find a way to line his pocket with the money he traded for the heads of those, he would entice to sin against God to have sexual relationships the fleshy idols of Canaan. GOD’S wrath against those who mock his name and laws, puts us back in Babylon, because of our sins against God. This God who men come to now dignity and respect, is now silent. We are the ones making a decision to obey or not obey the Universe Laws for Heavens society.   In Noah’s day, you would be in the Ark, at this time, closed in, waiting for it to rain. .  . down fire, hail and brimstone as all hell let loose to destroy the world by a flood. God can create and God can destroy. Who is more powerful than a God, who rules the Heavens, and sets the stars in place? The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom!  But if we loose a certain fear of judgment, God and a new beginning in a New Earth, we might be walking away from Eternal life!  It is better to obey than sacrifice. Sin separates us from God. That is why God hates sin! He hates to see those he has created walk away from his love and protection!

of rejoicing! It occurred just after the great Day of Atonement, when the assurance had been given that their iniquity [sin against God] should be remembered no more.  At peace with God, they now came before him to acknowledge his goodness and to praise Him for His mercy.   The labors of the harvest being ended, and the toils of the new year not yet begun, the people were free from care, and could give themselves up to the sacred, joyous influences of the hours.  Though only the fathers and sons were commanded to appear at the feasts, yet, so far as possible, all the household were to attended, including the stranger, servants and poor.”

THESE JOURNEYS TO THE FEASTS WERE SPENT IN REMINDING THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL HOW GOD HAD LED THEM IN THE PAST: GOD did not permit Balaam to curse His people because they are blessed. But the fate of the false prophet is compared to Judas.

“The fate of Balaam was similar to that of Judas, and their characters bear a marked resemblance to each other.   Both these men tried to unite the service of God and mammon, and met with signal failure. Balaam acknowledged the true God, and professed to serve him; Judas believed in Jesus as the Messiah, and united with His followers.   But Balaam hoped to make the service of Jehovah the steppingstone to the the acquirement of riches and worldly honor; and failing tn this he stumbled and fell and was broken.   Judas expected by his connection with Christ to secure wealth and promotion in that worldly kingdom which, as he believed, the Messiah was about to set up.   The failure of his hopes drove him to apostasy and ruin.  Both Balaam and Judas had received great light and enjoyed special privileges, but a had single cherished sin poisoned the entire character and caused their destruction.”

“It is a perilous thing to allow an unchristian trait to live in the heart.   One cherished sin will, little

Judas left the last supper knowing he would go to the priests and receive a reward. Balaam went to the enemy of God and found a way to destroy the leadership of Israel.

by little, debase the character, bringing all its nobler powers into subjection to the evil desire.   The removal of one safeguard from the conscience, the indulgence of one evil habit, one neglect of the high claims of duty, breaks down the defenses of the soul and opens the way for Satan to come in and lead us astray.   The only safe course is o let our prayers go forth daily from a sincere heart, as did David, “Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” (Psalms 17:25.) Patriarchs and Prophets, Ellen White p. 451-452.

There is  a belief that God is like a spineless jellyfish, with no backbone, or strength of character to the degree, God has no  wrath on those who mock His name by bowing down to other gods and breaking the heart of Jesus.

Are we willing to be loyal to Jesus the Jew and His Government, that points us to bow down and worship Him because we love and respect Him?

Comments by Connie: I struggle with the idea, it is my choice, purchased by His Blood to love and follow Jesus because I have such deep respect and dignity for His Character. This King of the Jews, resisted not!  He went with those who sought to destroy His character. Can I walk with those who wish to destroy the great admiration I have for this God who walks and talk with men, women and children?  Or can I somehow paint the picture of My God, so those around me can see Him?