But God was angry.  Balaam was traveling with the Moabite officials in response to a request by King Balak that he pronounce a curse over the people of Israel.  Now God sent an angel of the LORD to block his way on the road.  Strangely, Balaam’s donkey saw the angel first.  Once Balaam’s eyes were opened to see the angel, the angel spoke to him.

“Look, I have come to block your way because you are stubbornly resisting me.”

The Balaam confessed, “I have sinned.”  (Numbers 22:21-34)

In yesterday’s One Year Bible reading, the angel Gabriel visited Mary to announce God’s favor upon her and his plan for her.  In today’s reading, the angel of the LORD appeared on the scene to declare God’s disfavor with Balaam.  God called Mary a favored woman.  He called Balaam a stubborn man.

If God were to send an angel to you, what kind of message would that angel have…one of favor, or one of rebuke? Let’s examine our hearts and surrender them completely to the Lord.  Let’s position ourselves to receive God’s favor through our humble obedience to his Word.  Let’s pray that a donkey never sees the angel of the LORD before we do!

Lord, search my heart.  I surrender all that I am to you today.  May I find favor in your eyes as I walk in obedience to your Word and your Spirit.  May I never be found stubbornly resisting you.  I give you my will today.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!