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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 1 of 5
Numbers 24:14-25
This last prophecy of Balaam the diviner begins in fact by an oracle about himself. What a great responsibility he bears! He hears the words of God; he knows the knowledge of the Most High; he sees the vision of the Almighty! In spite of these inestimable privileges, he comes to grief. Many so-called Christians will say, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name . . .?" (Matthew 7:22). But they will share Balaam’s fate because the knowledge of scriptural truths will not have had any effect on their consciences. To have one’s eyes open to see Jesus, but "not now" and "not nigh" (v. 17), what an appalling future! It is the lot of the rich man in the parable, who, being in torment, contemplates the happiness of the elect (Luke 16). "Every eye shall see him" (Revelation 1:7), but not under the same conditions. When and how will you see the Lord?
Before Balaam unfolds a whole prophetic panorama. A brilliant star shines forth: Christ, the King of glory. His appearing will correspond to the judgment of the nations bordering the land of Israel: in the first place Moab itself. Jesus is this splendid Morning Star, announcing the dawn of day (Revelation 2:28; Revelation 22:16). Still unseen by the world, it has already risen in the hearts of the redeemed (2 Peter 1:19).
